Belva C. (Johnson) Presler

Published September 12, 2019 at 3:14 PM

Belva Corrine (Johnson) Presler, 94, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at home in Indiantown, Florida. In hospice care prior to her death, Belva died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours. Above all, Belva was a good mother. She did not believe in spanking or any other kind of punishment for children using only gentle, quiet reminders. Belva was beautiful and talented, teaching herself to play the piano and becoming church organist for several years. She was generous and caring, fighting a 7+ year battle with the chronic form of leukemia. Belva was a proud Democrat and more than anything she wanted to vote for the first woman president of the United States. Belva was a lifelong Friend of the Library devoting hundreds of volunteer hours. She loved flowers and butterflies. Belva is survived by her son Raymond Walter Presler Jr., daughter Renita Joy Presler (Richard Brooks), and step-grandson John David Brooks, (Emily), and great-grandson John Clayton Brooks and sister Eleanor Norton (Robert), numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. Belva was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Walter Presler Sr. (2010); infant son, Gene Walteray (1967); her parents, Bennie Cornelius Johnson and Clara Amanda (Paulson) Johnson of Clitherall, Minnesota, two brothers Leo Johnson and Conrad Johnson and sister Arla Thomas. Born at home in Clitherall, Minnesota on July 10, 1925, Belva grew up on a rural family farm. Belva was the first daughter in a family of 5 siblings. As the oldest daughter, she was proud of being one of the 3 “Johnson girls.” Her sisters, Arla Thomas and Eleanor Norton maintained a very close relationship over the course of their lives, even when Belva moved to Houston in early 1964. Both of her brothers, Leo and Conrad, served in WWII. After graduating high school in 1943, Belva went to work in Fargo, North Dakota for Cass County Creamery separating eggs. A short time later, while working in a line folding butter, managers asked if she would like to come upstairs and work in the office. Later, Belva worked for the famous Fargo Forum newspaper, starting off as a switch-board operator. Later she was promoted and worked all positions covering for others on vacation. Finally, she worked as Mr. Norman D. Black Jr’s secretary, in the Editor’s office, when his secretary was away. Belva married Raymond Walter Presler in 1950. The couple first tried farming in Minnesota, later moving south to Kansas City and finally to Houston. As a child, Belva began collecting signatures of family members, which culminated in a life-long interest in genealogy. In the 60’s & 70’s, Belva and Ray traveled thousands of miles collecting family history. In 2006, Belva traveled to Norway with her daughter and son-in-law meeting a distant cousin, Britt Lien, in Sigdahl an ardent genealogist. This trip was organized by SIGDALSLAG.ORG, for people with “roots” in Sigdal, Eggedal and Krødsherad, Norway (Norge). In remembrance of Belva, donations may be made to the Sons of Norway www.sofn.com. The family wishes to thank the doctors and the staff of Stuart Oncology for their dedication and excellent care. Arrangements by Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart, Florida. Cremation ashes will be spread at Nidaros Lutheran Church in Clitherall, Minnesota and other meaningful locations at a later date.