Mary Lois Slater

   Mary Lois Slater, 86, of Denison, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family having obtained the age of 86 years, six months, and five days.

   Mary was born on June 7, 1938, in Denison, Iowa, to Harvey and Tressia (Johnson) Mason. She grew up in Deloit, Iowa, and graduated with the Class of 1957. On July 28, 1957, Mary married Lawrence Slater in Deloit, and together they built a beautiful life in Denison. They were blessed with five children: Bradley, Cheryl, Kenneth, Sandra, and Marty, all born within six years.

   A devoted homemaker, Mary’s greatest joy was raising her children. Her passion for family life extended to summers filled with vacations to places like Worlds of Fun, the Ozarks, Mount Rushmore, Spirit Lake, and Okoboji. As her children grew, Mary enjoyed taking trips with her sisters, cherishing those special bonds.

   Mary loved playing Bingo and cards with her friends, activities she enjoyed until recent years. She also had a green thumb, often helping Lawrence tend their garden. Her warmth and care touched all who knew her, making her a beloved presence in the lives of her family and friends.

   Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Tressia Mason; her husband of 54 years, Lawrence E. Slater (2011); her son, Bradley Slater (2016); her great-grandson, Ethan Burroughs; her siblings Betty, Patricia Norris, Harvey Mason Jr., and Jesse Mason, as well as triplet siblings who passed in infancy.

   She is survived by her children: Cheryl (Roger) Upton of Manilla, Kenneth Slater and Marty Slater, both of Denison, and Sandy Schiltz of Denison; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (Dwayne) Freerking of Lincoln, NE; daughter-in-law, Ann Slater; many extended family members and friends.

   Visitation with family greeting friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m., all at Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Burial will be held in Crawford Heights Cemetery in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.