Barbara Ann Slater

“Former coal miner and Waynesburg Farm Owner” Barbara Ann Slater, 74, of Washington, died on Monday, April 6, 2015, in Allegheny General Hospital, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on May 24, 1940, in Rochester, PA, a daughter of the late Cornelius O. and Barbara F. Katekovich Slater. A 1958 graduate of Freedom and New Sewickley High School, she was Roman Catholic, by faith. Mrs. Slater was a proud member of the United Mine Workers, having worked underground for both Mathies Coal Company, and Emerald Mine, from where she retired in 1995. For twenty years, she was part owner of Skymile Farms, in Waynesburg, which allowed her to encourage her grandchildren’s involvement in 4H. In her later years, she worked as a caregiver. Barb was an ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and loved to travel. Her adventures took her backpacking through Germany and Italy, and most recently, a trip to Hawaii. Surviving, are a daughter, Barbara Miller, of Bentleyville, a son, Michael Halvin, of Washington, two sisters, Victoria Schmitt, of Kennedy Township, and Mary Kay Birney, of West Collingswood, NJ; three grandchildren, whom she took great pride in, Danielle Crumrine and Eric Hulsey, of Pittsburgh, Nicole Bodell and Mike Strychalski, of Jacksonville, FL, and Kacey Miller, of Bentleyville; and three great grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Nicole’s daughter, Syndie Strychalski, and Danielle’s twins, Lila and Sylvia Hulsey; and eight nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Deceased, are two sons, Daniel and Kenneth Halvin, and a brother, Cornelius Slater. Barb was “Gram” to many, and will be remembered as a matriarch and dear friend. Friends will be received on Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015, in St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, with Father Thomas D. O’Neil as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Oakmont Cemetery, Wanyesburg.