Judith Marie Slaughter

The Reverend Judith Marie Slaughter, 65, of Pukalani, Maui, passed away on November 30, 2013 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Pastor Judy had been in failing health the last few years. She was born on March 10, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the elder daughter of Jesse W. and Anna J. (Drew) Belue.

Judy attended schools in Indiana, graduating from Butler University in 1970. There she met her future husband, Jay. They were married in June, 1970. Judy became a military wife and she followed Jay to numerous assignments throughout the United States and also to Athens, Greece, where daughter Jennifer was born. After years of assisting in churches as a lay minister she received the call in 1985 to attend the Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles. She graduated with highest academic honors and was ordained as a pastor in the United Church of Christ in 1990. Judy was called to be the Pastor and Teacher of Makawao Union Church in 1997. Judy soon fell in love with the people, the cultures and the ‘Aina of Hawaii, Maui in particular. During most of her time on Maui she enjoyed an active life in her ministry, spending time with her family, ohana and friends, snorkeling and, of course playing golf.

Judy is survived by husband, Jay, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Lewis and her beloved grandchildren Ashley Marie and Jacob Lewis. She is also survived by her sister Jan, her husband Mark, her nephew Josh, her great uncle James Drew and several cousins and hanai relatives. And she is also survived by all of those who knew her in her over 20 years of Christian ministry.

The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the doctors, nurses, nurse aides, and the professional staff and Maui Memorial Medical Center for their patience kindness and care.

A Celebration of Life for Pastor Judy will be held at Makawao Union Church Saturday, December 28, at 10:30 a.m. Light lunch to follow. A private scattering of ashes will be held at her favorite snorkel site at a later date.