Mary Sue Slater

Mary Sue (Pfeifer) Slater was born on November 17, 1940, the much awaited daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth (Reel) and Frank Adam Pfeifer. As the youngest, with four brothers born before her, she was raised in a German Catholic family where her devout faith life began. She attended Immaculate Conception school on East North Broadway, and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy. She attended Mount Carmel's School of Nursing before getting married.

Growing up she helped her father with the family grocery store then became a cashier at Big Bear in Grandview. She learned the importance of hard work, which set her up well to become a farm wife. She was fortunate enough to go on a blind date where she met a young farmer, recently returned from service in the army. Mary Sue married Robert W. Slater (Bob) on September 3rd, 1960. That day she moved to Millersport, Ohio where she resided until her final days. Mary Sue was married to Bob for fifty years, until his death on June 25, 2011.

Mary Sue lost both of her parents at a fairly young age, so she knew the importance of family as did her husband. Together they were blessed with four children “Bobby, Laura, Julie, and Susan.” Mary Sue was very proud of her kids, all college graduates of The Ohio State University.

Bob and Mary Sue both valued their neighbors and community. As pillars of the Millersport community, you could find Mary Sue volunteering for the Millersport band boosters, the Millersport Lions Club Sweet Corn Festival, Cub Scouts, building and supporting the Millersport swimming pool, bowling at Tiki Lanes, working at the voting polls, traveling to the 4th Armored Division Army reunions, and supporting her kids and grandkids in their academic, musical, and athletic endeavors.

In addition to community volunteering, Mary Sue was a farm wife, homemaker, self-taught seamstress, family farm bookkeeper, vegetable gardener, Millersport school bus driver, and hostess for years of the Slater (extended) Family Christmas parties, which were held at their home, under the star you may be blessed to see at Christmastime.

Living a faith-filled life, Mary Sue remained a fixture at Our Lady of Mount Carmel since 1960, with Sunday Mass, Holy Days, daily Mass, and daily prayers for all those who came before her and her family still here.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Slater, parents Mary and Frank Pfeifer, brothers Fritz (June) Pfeifer, Raymond “Bus” (Mary) Pfeifer, Charles P. Pfeifer (infant brother), In-laws Charlie and Ethel Slater, sisters-in-law Margaret R. Slater, Mary Alice (Ralph) Dernberger, Anna Pfeifer, brothers-in-law Charles (Wanda) Slater, John (Anne) Slater. Dear friends and neighbors, Carol Keller, Wilbur and Hazel Slater.

Mary Sue is survived by her loving children, Bob (Rose) Slater, Laura Price, Julie (Matt) Bailey, Susan (Bill) Search. Along with her grandchildren Ben, Elizabeth (Levi), Jeff (Courtney), Jordan, Garrett (Taylor), Brooke, Veronica, Joanna, Gretchen, Slater, Aggie and great grandchildren Desmond, Archie, Louise, Nora, Ollie, Elianna, Gavin, Henry, and her brother Tom Pfeifer and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday July 16, 5-8pm at HOSKINSON FUNERAL HOME, 285 E Main St, Kirkersville, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 17, 10am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 5133 Walnut Road, PO Box 45, Buckeye Lake, with burial to follow in Kirkersville Cemetery, Fr. Fritz Valcin, Celebrant. Brief visitation at 9:30am, with rosary beginning at 9:45am, just prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions (envelopes available at the funeral home and church) may be made in Mary Sue’s memory to: Sweet Corn Festival “Heritage Fund” or Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Those who wish to share a memory of Mary Sue may do so by signing her online register.