Retha was born on the family farm in Alton, Missouri on January 26, 1928. She was part of a loving family, as demonstrated by her lifelong practice of calling her parents, Andrew and Cordelia Wilburn, “Mommy” and “Daddy” when recounting stories. She respected her older brother Lloyd immensely, adored her brother Floyd, and found a lifetime best friend and companion in her beloved sister, Flora. Siblings Hayden and Lois, who were lost in their childhood, were honored by Retha. Retha left home at the age of 13 to work in her brother’s store, and she never returned to live with her parents. She remained in school through the tenth grade, but the life lessons and wisdom she shared with her family and friends far surpassed her classroom learning. She met the love of her life, Robert Booker, in grade school and they married in 1945 after he returned from his overseas service in World War II. Retha poured her devotion and love into her two sons, Robert and Mark. As a homemaker, she nurtured her extended family with meals seasoned with her care and loyalty. After Robert’s death, Retha worked for Prince Garnder, and was for many, many years an unmatched source for leather goods she had brought home. Retha married John Preston in 1975.
Being with family was a focus of Retha’s life. She doted on her grandchildren, and was instrumental in their lives. He heart expanded greatly as great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren arrived. Family gatherings would initially find Retha holding the great-grandchildren while they were babies, but as they aged, she was on the floor playing with them while demonstrating her limberness and flexibility. Retha was also an amazing gardener, and many benefitted from her garden’s bounty. She taught her family to love okra and for many years provided bacon wrapped water chestnuts that will live on in family lore! But Retha may be best remembered for her pies – apple being her specialty – but her crust made any filling irresistible.
A cornerstone of Retha’s life was her faith. She had an extensive church family, proudly welcomed pastors and their families to her dinner table, and sang the old hymns with enthusiasm.
Retha made friends wherever she went – she would strike up a conversation and remember a friendly face. She spent many hours on the phone keeping up with friends from all across the country. Retha outlived almost all of her friends.
Retha died in her sleep on July 5, 2025. She marveled at her time on earth – 97 years. She was amazed to be this old, but so proud of and happy with the life she lived. Retha is survived by her sister, Flora; her sons Robert and Mark’ daughter-in-laws Sandy, Kathy and Judy; multiple generations of grandchildren; and an extended family that will miss her tremendously. Retha asked to be cremated and her remains will be buried in Alton, Missouri, at Many Springs Cemetery, next to her dear husband Robert. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Health Foundation, to support their hospice services. The Mercy Hospice Contact for in Saint Louis is Destiny Brooks.