Jun. 15, 1935 - Jul. 9, 2026
Date of Service: Jul. 17, 2026
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DECLO – Joyce Marie Preston, age 91, of Declo, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, at her home in Declo.
Joyce was born on June 15, 1935, in Declo, Idaho, to Arthur and Susie Anthon. She grew up on the family farm alongside her siblings, Leon, Betty, Royce, and Clyde. From a young age, Joyce loved being outdoors and spent much of her time with her father, working in the fields and tending sheep. She also developed a lifelong love of horses.
Joyce loved learning and enjoyed attending school. As a teenager, she was very athletic and took pride in being able to walk the length of the gym on her hands. She graduated from Declo High School in May of 1953.
In September 1953, Joyce married Melvin Cook. Together they welcomed four children. Their daughter, Marilyn, was born in August 1954, followed by their sons, Leslie, in June 1956, and Michael, in June 1958. In 1960, they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their infant daughter, Toni Ranae. Joyce and Melvin later divorced in 1964.
Joyce returned to school to better support her children, earning a secretarial certificate from a clerical training program. She went on to work for Chester Brown Company in Rupert, Idaho, and later for Farm Agency Services in Burley, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication.
In March 1966, Joyce married Fred Preston and moved to the family farm in Declo, Idaho. Soon after they began their life together, Fred adopted Joyce’s three children, Marilyn, Leslie, and Michael. In August 1968, they welcomed their daughter, Valerie, completing their family.
Joyce was happy to be living on a farm once again and enjoyed riding with the Minidoka Wranglers. She was a hardworking partner on the farm, lambing in the spring, faithfully driving the harvest truck each season, and helping wherever needed. Joyce and Fred spent many years farming together and also enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.
Above all, Joyce’s greatest joy in life was her family. She rarely missed a family gathering or vacation and treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by those she loved. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was blessed to spend time with her great-great-grandchildren. Joyce had a way of making everyone feel like family and was lovingly known as “Grandma Joyce” to many who were not related to her by blood. She welcomed others with open arms. The love, kindness, and memories she shared with her family—and the many others who called her Grandma Joyce—will be treasured for generations to come.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Preston; her father, Arthur Anthon; her mother, Susie Anthon; her brother, Leon Anthon; her sister, Betty Walker; her infant daughter, Toni; and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Preston.
She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Osterhout (Rodney); her son, Leslie Preston (Kim); her son, Michael Preston (Tiffany); her daughter, Valerie Loveland (Chauncey); her grandchildren, Melanie Clark (Hank), Mindy Vail (Scott), Marlea Rowley (Ted), Jason Armstrong, Jeff Preston (Jaclyn), Tony Preston (Nancy), Shannon Bach (Joseph), and Megan DeWaal (Dallen). She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Declo Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Fred Darrington officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and Friday, one hour prior to the service, at the Church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/P6f-h_EiFxg.
