Eva Preslan

Eva Marlene (Bough) Preslan passed away on April 14, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Eva was born December 26, 1951, in Linton, Indiana, to parents Eva Imogene Sullivan (1924-1998) and Richard Marshall Bough (1921-1996). She grew up in Bloomington, IN, with her brother Gail Bough and loved to read. In 1969, she graduated from high school and attended Indiana University, Bloomington, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and, later, a Master of Education degree in 1984. In 1974, she moved to Hagerstown, IN, to teach third and sixth grades and to work part-time at the Hagerstown Exponent newspaper.

She married her beloved husband, Gary Howard Preslan, in 1977 in Richmond, IN. After moving to La Junta, CO in 1978, she taught first grade in Rocky Ford, CO. The young couple settled in Montrose, CO, in 1981, where they raised three children: Elicia Dianne Preslan, Nathan Kenneth Preslan, and Kevin Christopher Preslan. Later, she returned to teaching as the librarian and computer teacher at Johnson Elementary School in Montrose.

Eva was an educator all her life. Her most meaningful teaching experiences were with the students who needed extra attention to succeed. Later, she taught preschool in her home and worked as a bookkeeper and alternate Director for Sunshine Patch Preschool. She founded and co-directed a nonprofit organization called Special Education for Exceptional Kids (SEEK) for four years, which advocated for gifted and talented educational services in the Montrose School District.

Eva lived a life of quiet and selfless service, touching the lives of many around her. She and Gary were foster parents for two years, and she taught service to her children by participating in projects through the Boy Scouts and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She drove seniors to the grocery store, taught computer skills, checked on elderly neighbors, cared for her in-laws until their deaths, watched dogs, and welcomed people into her home for holiday meals. She was a generous and dedicated volunteer with the Montrose High School choir program for 14 years and with the Montrose United Methodist Church.

She volunteered with HopeWest Hospice from 2015 until her death. Through HopeWest, she dedicated countless hours cataloging their library, processing and organizing books, editing life story recordings for families, sitting vigil, helping organize the silent auction for the annual HopeWest Gala almost every year, and training other volunteers. Just before her death, she was nominated by HopeWest for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Hospice Volunteer of the Year award, with the nomination saying: “Eva is an incredible example of serving with humility.” She showed her love for children for over five years by crocheting hundreds of stuffed bears, which she donated to the Montrose Memorial Hospital and HopeWest Kids.

Eva loved chocolate, blue glass, hummingbirds, and roses. She also enjoyed reading, genealogy, and gardening. She relaxed through crocheting, quilting, and other needle art, usually giving away her beautiful creations as gifts. She was a member of Mensa and Daughters of the American Revolution. Living a quiet life, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight, but she had a loving heart and a selflessness that touched everyone around her. Eva was loved and will truly be missed.

Eva is survived by her husband Gary and their three children: Elicia, Nathan (Sabrina), and Kevin (Kelly) Preslan; her brother Gail (Sue) Raymond Bough of Ellettsville IN; his children Mary Ann Bough and Steven Bough; and several cousins. Grandchildren include Lucas, Natalie, and Liam (William) Preslan.

The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to all her friends and everyone who loved, cared for, and helped her throughout her life, especially her friends at HopeWest Hospice.

A private reception and time of remembrance will be scheduled in May to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to HopeWest.