Obituary of Adelaide Presley

Adelaide Presley devoted more than 20 years of her life to helping improve Native American healthcare and was only 22 when she was first elected to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians tribal council in 1962. She served more than five years on the council, including as council chairwoman. The Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health administration is named in her honor. Mrs. Presley, who was raised on Morongo Reservation, Passed away on Monday, November 4, at her home. She was 73. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Adelaide Presley as a leader and a tireless champion for increasing tribal access to quality health care and wellness programs, not only in the Inland Empire but all across Indian Country. Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said. She was executive director and board member of the organization, founded in 1968 that provides culturally sensitive health care services that abide by the traditional customs of Indian communities and promote wellness and early intervention to the achieve healthy lifestyles. Visitation is planned from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. at Wiefels & Son Memorial Chapel, 50 E. Nicolet St. Banning. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 11231 Mission Road, on the reservation. Interment will be private. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorial contributions to breast cancer research programs at the City of Hope in Duarte.