Augusta F. "Judy" Preston, 79, became an angel with her Lord on Monday, April 1, 2002, after yet another challenge in her life. She was born Augusta Lee, on November 20, 1922 in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, the daughter of Horace and Flora (Mench) Lee. She was fondly known as Judy throughout her life.\r\nShe met a handsome man, John W. Preston, in Racine, and they were married on January 10, 1942 in Milwaukee. After a round about trip and John's final days in the army, they moved to Eau Claire to the Preston family home in 1946 and began carrying on the Preston traditions. As per tradition they began filling up that home with children.\r\nJudy was a hard worker and was taught her gardening skills and love of nature by her father. She was the world's best cook and bottle washer. If her family didn't finish their plates or there was extra produce lying around, she would jam it, can it or freeze it for later use. Judy's spare time was taken up by knitting, sewing, jigsaw or crossword puzzles. Over the years she was involved in Homemakers, the Sweet Adeline's, and her passion, the Little Red Cardinals 4-H Club of which Judy was co-founder and a leader for 48 years. The club is celebrating its 50th year this fall. Judy was a poet and had a poem for every occasion.\r\nShe will be fondly missed by her children, son, Lorin (Winnie) of Shawano, daughters, Jewel of South Haven, Mich., and Ruth, of Eau Claire; sons, Jon (Barb) of Hayward and Chris (Karen) of Eau Claire; she was a grandma to eight children; a great grandma to three children and a special friend, Cathy; she is also survived by a sister, Marian (John) Rolla of Racine. Judy was the greatest to hundreds of 4-H kids and their families. She will be greatly missed by nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and all special friends who knew Judy.\r\nJudy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 1996; five brothers and two sisters.

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