SLAYTON, Mary E Painter

SLAYTON, PAINTER, BLACK, BRIGHT, TAYLOR, SANTARELLI, SCARPITTA, MONSON

Posted By: Betsy Monson Roberts (email)
Date: 4/26/2017 at 17:19:07

Mary Bright Slayton passed away peacefully on February 8, 2016, at the Sharmar Care Center in Pueblo where she had been a resident for several years.

Mary Elizabeth Painter, born on July 4, 1923, was the oldest of four children born to Marie (Black) and Gully Painter of Lineville, Iowa. Mary graduated from Linevillle High School in 1942, and on Sept. 4, 1943, married Karl Dennis Bright also of Lineville. Mary and Karl had 4 daughters: Karla, Kay, Kathy and Karma. Karl passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 1961. Mary later married Lester G. Slayton, Jr. of Mercer, MO on November 4, 1963. "Junior" or "Doc," as he was also called, was the area's local veterinarian with Mary keeping the books for his practice in Lineville. The couple moved to Pueblo, CO in 1976 when Dr. Slayton started his tenure with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service as the veterinarian at Alpha Beta Meat Packing plant.

Mary and Doc both enjoyed their church activities, bowling leagues, the Eagles Club and Mary was a volunteer at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital for a number of years. And of course they both were avid Denver Broncos fans.

Mary was very active in the Lineville community. She was a 70-plus-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Rebekah Lodge, the leader of the Theta Rho Girl's Club, and a 4-H leader - all in addition to being an accomplished baker, crafter, gardener, and seamstress. She rarely missed a concert or sporting event in which her girls participated. Once in Pueblo Mary and Doc frequently visited in Iowa to support their grandkids' many activities.

She is survived by her daughters Karla Taylor Hayden (Melvin) of Camdenton, MO, Kay Santarelli (Gene) of Tucson, AZ, and Karma Bright (Blaise Alexander) of Pueblo, CO; grandson Clint Taylor, granddaughter Tegwin Taylor (Carl Lebsack), and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Rose Lebsack.

She is also survived by her brother, Cy Painter (Evelyn), sisters in law, Lorraine Painter and Nancy Lee Scarpitta, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Karl and Doc, daughter Kathy, brother Robert, sister Jean and brother-in-law Larry Monson, and son-in¬-law Bill Taylor.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sharmar Care Center and hospice employees for the love and care she received prior to her passing.

The family will have an inurnment at a later date in Lineville, Iowa. In lieu of flowers/gifts, the family requests donations be made to Steel City Alley Cats Coalition, 1715 S. Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005. SOURCE: Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Pueblo, CO.