Carolyn Slaton

Obituary of Carolyn Elizabeth Slaton

Carolyn Elizabeth (Kaltenhauser) Slaton, was born on October 12, 1938 in Maxwell, Iowa. Carolyn was the kind of woman who always knew what she wanted. In March of 1958 she met a young Tennessean, Merle Slaton, who was stationed at Forbes Airforce Base in Topeka, Kansas and after only three dates, married that farm boy/service man on August 17th, 1958.

Carolyn was an only child of 12 when her father passed away. Her mother had also been ill several years before her father’s death, so Carolyn took over care of her mother through those tough childhood years. She was a wonderfully natural caregiver and was always there for her family.

Carolyn was a traditional mother of the early 1960’s. She lovingly raised her three children and managed all the household affairs.  She was a champion at saving money and dearly loved garage sales. She was the Queen of finding treasures for a dime. She was able to bargain hunt expensive outfits, shoes, purses and jewelry and proudly show off her ensembles that only “cost me a quarter” or, “I bought all this for a dollar sixty two”.

Carolyn’s children, Ronald, Roxanne and Rebecca all grew up living close to their Mom and Dad and all still live within 10 miles today. She made sure we got together and celebrated everyone’s birthday with your favorite cake, ice cream and lots of presents. Christmas was even bigger! She has two Grandchildren, Kevin Slaton (married to Addie) and Kenneth Brogdon who also live close by. Kevin and his Grandma made Christmas cookies every year….for at least 25 years. Kenneth always made extra time and visited his Grandparents often. For more than 60 years, Carolyn and Merle’s love of each other and their family stands as a tribute that transcends the modern world, where many families today are separated by loneliness and distance.

Carolyn was always looking out for her family and was never one to complain. If anything got difficult she would dig in and fix it. The first time she was ever hospitalized she suffered from Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS). She beat the odds and survived ARDS for five years. Even on her last day, when a nurse asked how she was doing, not wanting anyone to make a fuss over her, mom smiled, and in her usual reassuring way said, “I’m doing fine.” 

“How Do I Love Thee?” (Sonnet 43)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning - 1806-1861

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Monday
12
August

Visitation Prior to the Service

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Monday, August 12, 2019
First Christian Church
2062 South Beltline Blvd.
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Monday
12
August

Funeral Service

11:00 am
Monday, August 12, 2019
First Christian Church
2062 South Beltline Blvd.
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Monday
12
August

Entombment

12:00 pm
Monday, August 12, 2019
Southland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum
700 West Dunbar Road
West Columbia, South Carolina, United States
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