Ann (Miriam) Slaughter

Ann (Miriam) Slaughter, 82, of Ballinger, Texas passed away early Friday morning, August 22, 2008 at the Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Ann was born November 18, 1925 in Ballinger. She married Ivan Slaughter of Ballinger on October 25, 1943. Ann said that it all started with a wink when she winked at Ivan at a dance at the hangar in San Angelo. They remained always at each other’s side until his death in December 2007. The couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last year. Their first child was born while Ivan was serving in Europe during World War II. After the war, they lived in Brownwood, Hatchel, and Maverick before settling on a farm outside Ballinger where they farmed for over 20 years and raised a family.

Ann was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Ballinger where she belonged to the Altar Society.

She loved to dance and cook. She was unfaltering in her love and support of her family. She had a sharp, sly wit and a beautiful smile. She had unlimited energy and farmed alongside her husband and children.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan; her father, Arthur Gottschalk, Sr.; her mother, Pauline Gottschalk; her sisters, Gladys and Pauline Niehues; and brothers, Arthur Gottschalk, Jr., and Verner Gottschalk.

She is survived by five children, Jim Slaughter and wife, Mauri, of College Station; Dan Slaughter and wife, Carolyn, of Ballinger; Linda Fernandez and husband, Mike, of Austin; Johnny Slaughter and wife, Leslie, of Midland; and Cathy Elliott and husband, Gary, of Ballinger.

Ann is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kimberly Drechsler and husband, Steve, of Coppell; Craig Slaughter and wife, Kim, of Clyde; Michael Slaughter of San Antonio; Stephanie Slaughter of Tampa, Florida; Sarah Fernandez of Austin; Derek Slaughter of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Jordan Slaughter of College Station; and Jason and Ryan Elliott of Ballinger.
She is survived by five great-grandchildren, Jack, Luke, and Molly Drechsler of Coppell; Preston Slaughter of San Antonio; and Lexi Slaughter of Clyde.

The family would like to thank Ann’s caregivers, Dr. Rightmire whose care and concern extends far beyond the physical component, Sonya Rose and CeCe Lira from Hospice of Ballinger who are truly angels on Earth, and especially the wonderful staff of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, for their love and support over the last 11 years.

Rosary for Ann Slaughter will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel, with a time of visitation following from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Desta Drive, Suite 270E, Midland, Texas 79705 or to a favorite charity.