Elaine M. (Hartley) Slates

Elaine M. Slates (Hartley) Bay City, Michigan Mrs. Slates went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday evening May 1, 2015 at From The Heart AFC Home in Bangor Township. Age 85 years. The daughter of the late Albert and Mabel (Rogner) Hartley was born April 6, 1930 in Kawkawlin, Michigan where she resided for many years until moving to Bay City. Her Christian faith led her to be an active member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, she served as junior choir director, sang in the senior choir and served as the church organist for some time. Elaine began her teaching career at St. John's Ev. Lutheran School and had retired after many dedicated years of service. She was truly an example and role model of faith, character and perseverance to family, students and friends. Elaine had a great love for teaching children, and always dealt with them patiently which led to lifelong friendships. She and her husband Van were blessed with one daughter; Barbara Engel of Bay City and she is left behind to cherish her memories along with three grandchildren; Pastor Craig and Jennifer Engel of Willmar, MN, Bradley and Angie Engel of Spring, TX and Angela and John Rettle of Wauseon, OH, seven great grandchildren; Joel David, Megan Ann, Emma Elaine, Joshua Evan, Caleb Aaron and Ethan Van Engel and Maebelle Leigh Rettle. She was preceded in death by her husband; Vannel J. Slates on March 2, 2004 and one son-in-law; Willard Engel. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at From the Heart AFC Home and Hospice Advantage for the kind and compassionate care they extended to Elaine during the time they cared for her. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 706 W. Jane St. Bay City, MI 48706. Officiating will be Rev. Paul E. Schweppe and Rev. Paul E. Schaewe with private interment in Heavenly Rest Cemetery in Kawkawlin, MI. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Slates will be taken to the church on Thursday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial cards for St. John's Lutheran Church will be available.