Mary Louise Slinkard 1926 - 2022

Our beloved Mary Louise Slinkard went home to be with the Lord on August 27, 2022. Mary was born in Paris, Texas in the spring of 1926 to Mike and Stella Haney. She was the 7th of 8 children, and the last surviving sibling. When Mary was a teenager, her family moved to Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from high school in 1943, and went to work at the Post Office. Mary loved to bowl and won many trophies and titles. It was at the bowling alley that she met her future husband, Jack Slinkard. He was a pinsetter there before he enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII. After the war ended, they were married in Glendale in September 1945. They went to Jack's hometown in Indiana to begin their married life. Soon they had a baby daughter named Janet. Mary continued her favorite sport of bowling, becoming the city champion, while also working at a building supply company as a secretary. One day a pastor who lived next door, invited Jack's mother to church. She decided to go, and Mary went with her. Thus, was the beginning of a new life for Christ. From that day forward for the rest of her life, Mary was devoted to her faith. Jack built a house in the country for Mary and their daughter, and then they welcomed 2 more children Richard and Ruth. In May 1961, Jack tragically passed away; Mary was left to care for 3 young children. She moved to Sacramento, CA to be near her family. She worked at the Base Exchange at Mather AFB for a time, and then worked at the Sacramento branch of the Post Office for 10 years. She then moved to the Pismo Beach area for 10 years, working at Camp San Luis Obispo. She went to Arizona for a year, came back to the Arden Branch of the Post Office, and after 24 years of service, retired in 1987. She also worked at Lockheed in Burbank for 2 years. Mary was a talented lady. She was a good cook. She could play the piano, the accordion, and organ. She was an accomplished singer and sang many solos in church. She was a good seamstress and made clothes for her children and grandchildren. Mary also crocheted hankies and made decorative pillows for the ladies auxiliary in the church. She loved to work 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles, and watch the hummingbirds in her backyard. For 20 years, Mary lived in Lincoln, CA, and worked in the church that he daughter Ruth and husband Mike established there. Mary was always witnessing to others about how Jesus changed her life. She enjoyed reading the bible, and prayed for her family and friends every day. She was a good mother (3), a loving grandmother (8), and proud great-grandmother (15). Two of her great-grandsons she did not get to meet because they were just born in May and July of this year. Mary was an independent woman, and she managed very well until she started experiencing failing health at the age of 94. The last 2 years were extremely difficult for her and her family. But now, she is at peace with the Lord. If you listen very carefully on a quiet day, you may hear her singing praises and playing the piano with the angels. We miss her very much already, but our hope is that someday we will meet again. Her greatest wish for everyone would be to always remember the love of Christ. Mary's family thanks everyone who cared for her the past 2 years. There was no formal funeral at her request.