Violet Hazel Sleichter

Violet Hazel Sleichter was born March 20, 1913, at Michigan, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Arthur and Madge (Crowell) Lukins. In 1957, Violet moved to Pomona, Kansas, and Mission, Texas, in 1972. In 1998, she moved to Newtown, Missouri, where she made her home until her death Friday, May 23, 2003, at the age of ninety years. She was a seamstress working at Mode O'Day in Ottawa, retiring in 1972. She was also a lifelong homemaker. She was a member of Pomona United Methodist Church. Violet loved spending time with her family and keeping track of her grandchildren. She also greatly loved traveling with her husband. They spent several summers in Minnesota and winters in Texas. She liked to work outside, caring for her flower gardens and feeding the birds. On September 30, 1931, Violet was united in marriage with Benjamin Edward 'Ben' Sleichter in the grandstand at the Abilene (Kansas) State Fair. They had entered the 'Most Popular Couple Contest' at the fair and, to their surprise, won the competition. They received an all-expense paid wedding at the fair and a collection of gifts from local merchants. That was the beginning of nearly sixty-seven years of marriage, until his death on March 8, 1998. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Arthur Sleichter, Benny Sleichter; sister, Peg Hice; four brothers, Arthur Lukins, Dale Lukins, Dan Lukins, Jack Lukins; two grandsons, Tim Nelson, Shaon Sleichter; and, two infant grandsons. She is survived by three sons, Dennis Sleichter and his wife, Sarah, of Kingsville, Missouri, Alan Sleichter of Newtown, Missouri, Gary Sleichter and his wife, Vickie, of Quenemo, Kansas; three daughters, Jeanette Peura and her husband, Jim, of Sandstone, Minnesota, Lois Mills of Sedona, Arizona, Bonnie Ferguson of Newtown, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Scharlet Sleichter of Abilene, Kansas; sister, Ruth Stap of Plainwell, Michigan; brother, Dave Lukins of Michigan; seventeen grandchildren; five step grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and, two great-great-grandchildren. SERVICES: Family and friends will meet at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, for graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2003. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Trenton, Missouri Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.