Vicki Lynn (Olandt) Slater, 68, left for her eternal resting place on October 20, 2022.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 28 at the Morrowville Christian Church in Morrowville. The family will greet friends one half hour prior to the service at the church.
Vicki was born January 24, 1954 in Washington, the second daughter of Elmer “Bud” and Gertrude “Gertie” (Lardner) Olandt. They lived on a farm outside of Morrowville. She was baptized into Morrowville Christian Church where she wa a lifelong member. She attended her first seven years of elementary school in Morrowville school district and her last year of grade school in Haddam at USD 221 elementary. In 1972, Vicki graduated from North Central High School. While in school she was very active in 4-H, all types of music, FHA and volleyball. Vicki became an excellent pianist and organist.
Following high school she attended Cloud County Community College for one year and then transferred to Kansas State University, majoring in elementary education. While at Kansas State, she was a proud member of the Kansas State University Marching Band in the percussion section. She also participated in Collegiate 4-H.
Before starting her senior year, she married William “Bill” Slater in May 1975. After graduating, the couple moved to a farm near Mahaska. In 1979, they moved to the Morrowville area and into their current home in 1987. That same year, their son Justin was born and was the light of her life.
She began her teaching career in Endicott, NE for one year and then moved to USD 221 for the next 28 years and finished her teaching career at USD 108. Vicki was a member of KNEA and NEA until she retired from teaching in 2008.
Following her retirement, Vicki kept busy with work, community activities and her hobbies. She worked part time for Washington County Financial Services for Brice Leonard in crop insurance.
Vicki was an avid and talented seamstress. She made many of her clothes, qualifying many of her 4-H projects in state competition. She began quilting and made many, many quilts, wall hangings and table toppers for friends, families, as well as quilting competitions.
Besides her teaching career, Vicki remained active in 4-H and with the Washington County Fair. She spent over 35 years as an assistant superintendent in 4-H clothing department and helped with quilt judging. She served several years as a clothing leader and helping 4-Her’s with their clothing construction projects. Vicki also played music for many years at her local church and volunteered with the Washington Food Pantry.
She served on committees at Twin Valley Development where her son, Justin works and resides.
Post retirement, Vicki became a really good combine and grain cart driver as she worked with Bill on the farm and did much of fall harvest, retiring from that job just a year ago.
Survivors include her husband, William; son, Justin; sister, Carol (Tony) Scheer, Morrowville; sisters-in-law, Gail (Tom) Naylor, Topeka, Janet (Dan Hargens) Slater, Champaign, IL; nephews, Michael (Cynthia) Scheer, Haddam, Mitchell (Amanda) Scheer, Troy, NC, Brett Naylor, Manhattan, Brandon Naylor, Washington D.C.; and niece, Monica Scheer, Morrowville; and great nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents and grandparents.
A memorial fund is established to the Kansas State University Marching Band. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington.
