Patricia E. Preble, 79

Patricia E. Preble, age 79, passed away July 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Pat was born March 10, 1945 at Ainsworth, NE to Maynard Edward Jones and Dorothy Marie (Naylor) Jones. She was the second child of three siblings.

The family lived north of Ainsworth on the Hulbert farm for a couple of years. When Pat was three years old, they moved to Meadville, NE, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She attended grade school at Meadville, NE and later graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1963.

Pat married Wayne L. Dutrow in June 1963. To this marriage three children were born: Bruce, Scott and Melany. Pat and Wayne worked on a farm where they lived north of Ainsworth until 1973 and later moved to town where Wayne started his welding and repair business.

In May 1978, Pat remarried to Leroy Preble. To this union, Leroy brought two children, Robert and Jason.

Pat worked many jobs for extra money that ranged from hair roller factory, waitressing and dietician at the hospital and school. Later she worked at Subway and Ampride, where shortly after she retired.

Pat had several personal challenges from Scotty’s passing, her father’s passing, loss of their house to a fire in December 2005 and Leroy’s death due to a car accident in April 2009.

In 2010, a new house arrived and brought new strength to Pat’s life. She experienced new adventures of seeing the oceans, dolphins and taking trips to Hawaii and Florida.

One of Pat’s favorite pastimes that she enjoyed was decorating her yard for all the seasons and holidays. She always said it was expected of her to decorate for the holidays as people enjoyed seeing her yard. She enjoyed playing the slot machines at Rosebud Casino and would win once in a while. Pat also enjoyed bowling and playing darts with the Pink Ladies Dart League.

Pat had many grandchildren that filled her heart when they came to visit. She loved shopping and going to her hair appointments and getting her nails done.

Pat is survived by two children, Bruce (Tracy) Dutrow of Yankton, SD and Melany Dutrow (Bryce Franzen) of Aurora, NE; two stepchildren, Robert (Nicole) Preble of Rapid City, SD and Jason (Jodi) Preble of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Reid Dutrow, Jordan (Wes) Baxter, Jesse (Jade) Baxter, Bailey (Scott) Fuelberth, Brooke Oldenkamp, Preston (Megan) Franzen, MaKaela (Hayden) Sandal, Sage Preble, Nicholas Preble and Charlotte Preble; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Smith of Ainsworth and brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Donna Jones of Ainsworth.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Preble; parents, Maynard and Dorothy Jones; son, Scott Dutrow and granddaughter, Grace Dutrow.

Visitation and services were held on Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Evangelical Free Church in Ainsworth. Memorials may be sent to the Ainsworth Pink Ladies Dart League, PO Box 162, Ainsworth, NE 69210.

Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine was entrusted with the arrangements. Online guest register at www.HolmesFH.com.