Barbara Arlene “Barb” Slater, 88, Claypool, Indiana, passed away September 19, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born on August 12, 1933 in Kosciusko County, Indiana, Barb was the daughter of the late Talman Gerald and Thelma Eileen (Secrist) DeLaughter. She was one of seven children.
After graduating from Sidney High School in 1951, Barb married Harold G. Slater on May 26, 1951. For the next sixty-four years the two built a beautiful life together with five children, Kim, Kent, Kris, Kevin, and Kerry. During Barb and Harold’s time together, they owned and operated Slater’s Fruit Market and Slater’s Christmas Tree Farm in Sidney, Indiana. While Barb did what was needed for the businesses, her preferred job was being a homemaker and helping the boys.
Life was not always easy for Barb. The loss of two sons and her husband was difficult, but she took things in stride and handled what life threw at her. Barb stayed strong for her family during tough times and was a perfect model of what a person should be. She always had a relationship with God, and it was further strengthened after Harold’s passing on July 15, 2015. Barb was a member of the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Indiana.
An excellent cook and baker, Barb loved making any kind of pie. Every spring, she enjoyed making maple syrup. If you drove by her home in the summertime, she could often be found mowing the yard outside, an activity that she enjoyed doing.
The loving memory of Barbara Arlene “Barb” Slater will be forever cherished by her sons, Kim (Kathy) Slater, South Whitley, Indiana, and Kent (Jo Ellen) Slater and Kris (Jill) Slater, both of Claypool, Indiana; daughters-in-law, Pamela Slater, Elkhart, Indiana and Cindy Slater, Warsaw, Indiana; brothers, Darwin DeLaughter, North Manchester, Indiana and Talman (Kelly) DeLaughter Jr., Bettendorf, Iowa; sisters, Connie (Joe) Gottschalk, Columbia City, Indiana and Janice Gerardot, Claypool, Indiana; brother-in-law, Richard Maroney, Angola, Indiana; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Talman and Thelma DeLaughter; sons, Kevin and Kerry Slater; sisters, Darlene Maroney and Carolyn Maroney; sister-in-law, Valeria DeLaughter; and brother-in-law, John Maroney.
Family and friends may call Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, 2507 State Road 14, Silver Lake, Indiana, with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Audrianna Svay and Pastor Roger Eberly will officiate. Burial will be at Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Barb Slater, memorial contributions may be made to the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department, 1491 West 900 South, Claypool, Indiana 46510.
The family of Barb Slater has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
To send flowers to Barbara’s family, please visit our floral store.