Mary Lee Slaughter was born Dec. 5, 1924, to Lee (Doc) and Pina Beck on the family farm southeast of Rosalie. She passed from this life March 13, 2023, at her home in Lyons.
She attended Parks elementary country school, then boarded in Lyons - graduating from Lyons High in 1941.
On April 5, 1943, she married Levon Slaughter where they farmed near Pender for one year before he was drafted into the army in 1944 leaving Mary Lee and their infant daughter, Jackie, until the end of WWII. They then moved to the Slaughter farm near Rosalie completing their family with Susan, Timothy, and Judi. The family attended Rosalie Methodist church where Mary Lee has been a member for over 70 years. She loved teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees.
As a child, Mary Lee preferred working outdoors with her father, this continued throughout her adult life as she worked side-by-side with her husband until they retired and began traveling - South America, Africa, Italy, France, Panama Canal, a three-month motorhome trip through Alaska, Mexico, and a 50th Wedding Anniversary Caribbean Cruise with the entire family. They spent many summers fishing in Minnesota and winters in Florida where Mary Lee was the official scorekeeper for the “Over 70 Softball Team.” She enjoyed dancing, bowling, cards, writing poems, crocheting and Parks Club. Most of all, Mary Lee loved being with her family and friends. She always had room at her table for others.
In 2008 Mary Lee left the farm and resided in Lyons where she enjoyed going out with lady friends, following her grandchildren’s events, playing games (especially dominos), puzzles, going on drives, crocheting, and spending time with family.
Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Levon; Daughter, Susan Thies; Son-in-law, Leo Olson; Sister, Melva Christensen; Sister, Eva Weeks; Brother, Tom Beck.
Mary Lee is survived by her children: Jackie Olson of Lyons; Timothy (Vickie) Slaughter of Decatur; Judi (Terry) Murtaugh of Dakota Dunes, S.D.; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral service was Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in Lyons.
Visitation was Friday, March 17, 2023, 5 to 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services Lyons
Burial at Lyons Cemetery, Lyons.
Memorials directed to the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services. www.pelanfuneralservices.com
