Born January 21, 1937 in Rochelle, IL, she was the second of three children and the only daughter of Adin and Bernice (Harms) Slaughter. She was a farm girl at heart growing up in Riley Township and had fond memories of attending the Eicksteadt one room school. She was active in 4-H and was proud to show her Holsteins. In 1950, she earned the privilege to judge dairy at the state level and was the only girl from McHenry County chosen to do so. She graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1955. She was employed as a telephone operator while in high school and later at Arnold Engineering in Marengo.
In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Stephen H. Otis. Together they owned and operated Otis Building Supply and Construction Company in Marengo for many years. She was a talented musician, loved to sing, and at a young age was the pianist at Riley Methodist Church, continuing as the organist at the First Baptist Church for many years. She was active in the youth ministry by teaching Sunday school and helped implement the Juniors For Christ Club.
She had a love for the community in which she lived. She served several years as an Alderman and on numerous city commissions, spearheading the revitalization of Calvin Spencer Park and she was often seen planting countless trees in the city’s parkways. In 2002, she formed the Marengo Society for Historic Preservation. She had a passion for the history of Marengo and its’ families by publishing numerous books with the Society. She was active as a MCHS band parent by chaperoning trips and helping with fundraising efforts.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Whether at a sporting event (with a loud horn) or at the county fair, she could be found with a cooler full of fresh fruit and Snapple. She was always eager to lend a helping hand and was a strong willed, hard working woman who saw no job as too big or too small and was not one to shy away from any cause she believed in.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth A (Joseph) Henning and Jennifer W L (William) Hoeske; Grandchildren, Ryan (Darcey) Carr, Stephanie (Dave) Fanthorpe, J. Benjamin Henning, Trae (Lauren) Hoeske, Jesse (Sarah) Henning, Lynsey (Blake) Jacobs; Great-grandchildren, Kerrigan Carr, June and Avett Fanthorpe, Jackson Henning, Jordan and Kat Brogdon, and Baby Jacobs; Brother, Kurt (Jan) Slaughter; Sisters-in-law, Jeanne (Jim) Schaefer, Midge Wagner, Charlene Slaughter; One special dog, Sparkle.
She was welcomed into her Heavenly Home by her husband, her son Stephen J. Otis, parents, and her brother, A. Eugene Slaughter.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8pm on Monday, February 14 at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy., Marengo. Service will be private. All are invited to attend a graveside service at Noon on Tuesday, February 15 at Marengo City Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Marengo Society for Historical Preservation at PO Box 506, Marengo, IL 60152. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.
