Mildred Steward Slack

Mildred (Steward) Slack passed away on November 28, 2018. She was a super mom to her six children who are extremely proud of her and who will all miss her very much.  Mildred was loved and adored by her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, their families, her siblings, dozens of nieces and nephews and their families, many close friends, and the countless people whose lives she positively impacted over her 87 years. She was a role model of strength, wit, humility and forgiveness – truly an amazing person.

Mildred dedicated much of her life to serving others in her community.  She was a member and leader of the First Presbyterian Church for 65 years serving as a Deacon, a Ruling Elder, Sunday School Teacher, youth leader, and member of the Choir, Bell Choir, Cruisers, Building and Grounds Committee and United Presbyterian Women. Mildred was also a member and leader of Roundtable, PEO member and four-time President, 4-H leader, member of Bridge Club, and in 1970 was named Newton Women of the Year-Religion.

When Mildred was 50 years old she went to nursing school at Hesston College and retired as a Registered Nurse from Newton Medical Center after 17 years. For the last 20 years she served as a hospice volunteer, continued to work for her church (best weed puller ever), and has been a volunteer and caregiver to many. What’s more, Mildred cherished the good times with her friends and family. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, enjoyed sketching and painting, traveling with and to see family, and having coffee and laughing with her Newton friends and her Good Old Oskaloosa Friends (“GOOF”).

Mildred survived cancer three times over a period of 55 years. She was diagnosed in November, 2018 with the same cancer for the fourth time. As she began her end of life journey, Mildred was fortunate to be able to spend special time with close friends, family and her six children. She had her wit and sense of humor to the end.

Mildred was born January 10, 1931 in Aurora, Nebraska to Glen and Gladys Steward. Mildred joined her older twin sisters, Mary and Martha, and brother Tom. Two years later Mildred became a big sister when her third sister Marilyn was born. Mildred graduated from high school in Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1948 and from the University of Northern Iowa in 1950. She was a 4th grade teacher. Mildred married Gene Slack in 1951. After a short time in Georgia, they moved to Newton, Kansas in 1953.

Mildred is survived by her six children David (Cheryl) Slack, Lawrence, KS; Tom (Jeannie) Slack, Leawood, KS; Janis (Tom) Fitch, Scottsdale, AZ; Jill (Brent) Beckman, Leawood, KS; Nancy (Chip) Davis, Wheaton, IL; Carol (Lisa Lusk) Slack, Leawood, KS. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two sisters Martha (Steward) Smith of Mitchellville, Maryland; and Marilyn (Steward) Gregson of Olympia, Washington. Mildred was preceded in death by parents Glen and Gladys (Wessling) Steward, sister Mary (Steward) Hanna, brother Tom Steward and sister Julia Steward.

On April 1, 2019 there will be a celebration of life honoring Mildred at the First Presbyterian Church, Newton, Kansas at 1:00 pm. A memorial service will be held in Grand Junction, Iowa on April 3, 2019.

Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Fund at the Newton Presbyterian Manor and the First Presbyterian Church, Newton, Kansas. Please send cards to the attention of Carol Slack, 14340 Norwood St., Leawood, KS 66224.www.petersenfuneral.com