Ruth Balkenhol Slaughter

Ruth Balkenhol Slaughter, born September 6, 1924 in Jefferson City, Missouri died April 4, 2007 in Austin, Texas surrounded by her children and their spouses. Preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Harold Marion Slaughter, Ruth was one of six children born to Jacob and Mathilda Gayer Balkenhol in Jefferson City Missouri. She is survived by one brother, Jake Balkenhol and wife Lois of Topeka, Kansas as well as many special nieces and nephews and her five children and their families: Julianne and Tom Fun and their children: Ben, Nathan and Annie of New York, New York; Stephen and his wife Diana Wilson and their children: Jennifer, Hilary and Danielle in Arlington, Texas; Janet "Tookie" and Deets Justice and their children: Spencer, Trenton, Forrest and Carolyn in Austin, Texas; Jennifer and Bill Cox in Austin, Texas; and, Jane and Robert Viere and their children: Alex, Grace and Mary in Dallas, Texas. Ruth graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in education and had careers as a kindergarten teacher, homemaker and Manager of Membership at the Society of Petroleum Engineers. In addition to Jefferson City, Missouri, she lived in Columbia and Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Atlanta, Georgia; and, Dallas and Austin, Texas. She and her husband, Harold, were avid travelers and between visits to family across the United States, they traveled to all seven continents and had many stories and photos for their grandchildren. More important than her various careers and travels, Ruth's legacy is the love that she gave as well as received by her children, their spouses, who she also regarded as her children, and the 13 grandchildren that adored her. Before her death, each grandchild either visited her in the hospital or sent messages of love to the Grandma that they cherished so much. She was a loved and respected friend to people across the country who share the family's loss. She lived a life with a tremendous impact on those around her and will be greatly missed. As per her request, a memorial service will be held in September in the North Georgia Mountains which was a favorite family destination. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or any other organization devoted to helping children. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com