Mary "Ruth" Bowen Preston, 84, died Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at White Oak Manor in Shelby.

A native of Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Hoyle and Dehlia Blanton Bowen. Ruth was a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church where she was active in the WMU, Willing Workers Sunday school class and care ministry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Preston; and brothers, Albert and Clyde Bowen. She is survived by her son, Neil Preston and wife Lynn of Gastonia; grandson, Chris Goodwin and wife Elaine; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Reagan Goodwin; and sister-in-law, Pat Bowen of Shelby. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, June 17, 2022 at Flint Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Shane Kirby officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in the church. Burial will follow in Cleveland Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Flint Hill Baptist Church or Hospice of Cleveland County.

FUNERAL HOME: Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center

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