Ruth Slater

On Thursday, March 20, Our Mom, Ruth Ann Slater went home to be with Jesus. Mom was born on Valentines Day, 1943 to Ben and Dixie Hopkins. Mom was a true Marshallite. She graduated from Marshall High school and lived in the area most of her life. Mom would often share stories of the shenanigans that she participated in and was likely the instigator for many. Like the time when her and Rosie filled Wayne’s (Rosie’s brother) beloved convertible with leave. This of course made Wayne quite furious, as expected, which only fueled their amusement. It was that same mischievous behavior that led her to meet her future husband and our dad in an unexpected way. Mom had stopped by Rosie’s house and saw who she thought was Wayne sleeping on the couch (his back was to her). With all the sister-like love that she could muster, she walloped “Wayne” in the head with a pillow. To her surprise, the face that turned to look at her did not belong to Wayne. It was the man who would later become her husband and our dad, Maynard Ranger or “Sam” to mom. After the initial shock, it was love at first sight. They were married several months later on April 2, 1962. They had three pretty amazing kids. Two reasonably handsome sons: Eric (Theresa) Ranger and Richard Ranger, and an adorable daughter (yes, that’s me) Chris (Stuart) Ashley. Mom and Dad were married nearly 13 years when Dad was called home to be with Jesus in 1975 far to soon. In 1979, against nearly impossible odds, Mom found love with another Maynard and added another reasonably handsome brother, Allen (Kristi) Slater and adorable sister, Sarah (Scott) Neubecker to our family. Mom loved to spend her time working on projects around the house and spent countless hours in the summertime planting, weeding and pruning in her many flower beds. In her spare time, Mom could often be found at the golf course or bowling alley laughing it up with Maynard and their friends. When it came time to retire, they purchased a house on a like in Coldwater. Mom now had a new house with many new projects which is what she loved. When she wasn’t in the midst of a project, you could find Mom in her sewing room where she kept busy making many of us bath robes, aprons, pillows and anything else that she could embroider. Mom loved spending time with her grandkids, and they would often visit so they could swim, fish and help grandma her bake our family favorites: sugar and molasses cookies. Mom also loves Christmas. Every Thanksgiving after our bellies were full and the dishes were done came time to carry up the many totes of Christmas decorations. There was barely a spot in the house that didn’t get decorated, including the animals! She always made everything beautiful as well as silly. Mom loved to collect the animated Christmas characters that would sing, dance and sometimes fart along to Christmas tunes. As you set off on your next grand adventure Mom, just know that you take a piece of each of our hearts with you. A service to celebrate Mom’s life will be held……. and in leu of flowers or donations, please find someone to bless with a random act of kindness and show them the love of Jesus.