| Honored by: | Karla Taylor, Kay Santarelli, Kathy Bright, Karma Bright and L. G. Slayton |
| Brick location: | A:1 map |
Mary Elizabeth Slayton of Pueblo, Colorado is being honored by her daughters and her husband, L.G. "Doc" Slayton, a D.V.M. graduate in the class 1956, ISU.
Mary was the first daughter born July 4, 1923 to her parents Gully and Marie (Black) Painter in Lineville, Iowa. Later her younger siblings followed and they are: Robert Painter now of Wever, Iowa, Lou Jean (Painter) Monson of Bode, Iowa and Cyrus Painter of Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Most of Mary's schooling was in Lineville. During high school her favorite classes were English and Home Ec. She's very proud of her basketball accomplishments averaging 18 points her senior year of 1942. Mary joined many of her former classmates during Memorial weekend of May, 1992 and celebrated their 50th class reunion.
On September 4, 1943 she was united in marriage with Army Corporal Karl Dennis Bright (1921-1961) of Lineville. Mary and Karl were the proud parents of four daughters: Karla France (1944), Denniseen Kay (1946), Kathy Jean (1952-1978), and Karma Rose (1954). While raising her children, Mary was very involved in the Lineville community. She served as President of American Legion Auxiliary, Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge and a youth advisor of the Theta Rho (young Rebekahs). Mary also served as 4-H and Brownie leaders for several years. She worked part time for Bright's Produce, her husband and father-in-law's business. Her family attended both the Assembly of God and First Methodist Church of Lineville. One of Mary's most favorite groups was her monthly bridge club and she could always count on at least 1 night out a month. Besides supporting her daughters in a variety of ways, she was known for her beautiful sewing creations and noted for her cake decorating abilities. Mary was a friend and neighbor to all who knew her.
After being widowed at age 38, Mary continued living in Lineville with her daughters. In 1963 she met and remarried Dr. Lester G. Slayton, local veterinarian from nearby Mercer, Missouri. They lived together there until 1975 when Dr. Slayton accepted a new position as a Federal inspector with the U.S.D.A. This move relocated them to Pueblo, Colorado where they reside yet today. Mary continues to be active citing the following as her favorite: Capella Club, Eagles Lodge Auxiliary Card Club, First Methodist Church. For eleven years she served as a volunteer for St. Mary's Corwin Hospital of Pueblo. She loves gardening and spends many hours tending to her vegetables, fruit trees, flower and rose gardens.
Mary and Doc love traveling and have visited many states and countries together. Often times they have hosted fishing and camping trips in the mountains for their 2 grandchildren, Tegwin Kay Taylor (1975) and Clint Slayton Taylor (1973), children of Karla and Bill Taylor.
Their visits to Ames are now infrequent, but they have noted their favorite ISU landmarks, the Campanile and the statue of the Gentle Doctor, are always remembered with fondness. They have enjoyed being members of Colorado's ISU Alumni Association as a way of keeping in touch with ISU friends.
Her daughter's Karla (now Mrs. Bill Taylor of Jewell, IA), Kay (now Mrs. Gene Santarelli of Honolulu, Hawaii), and Karma (now of Pueblo, Colorado) wish to honor Mary Elizabeth Slayton in appreciation and love for all the many wonderful years she's devoted to their nurturing and caring for their well-being. Thanks, Mom!
Submitted on 7/1/96