Ruth A. Slater

Ruth Ann Slater, age 84, of Harvard, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Born on January 10, 1942, in Greenwood, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred (Boal) Bentley.

Ruth was raised in Hebron and, on March 7, 1959, was united in marriage to Thomas L. Slater, with whom she shared many devoted years and raised two children. Throughout her life, she built a meaningful career as a beautician, proudly owning her own business and working out of her home salon, where she formed lasting friendships with her clients.

She was a lifetime member of the Harvard Moose Lodge, where she was actively involved alongside her husband, Tom. Ruth dedicated over a decade to running the Lodge’s Bingo program, a role she took great pride in.

Ruth was a talented seamstress who found joy in creating clothing. She also loved tending to her garden, especially caring for her flowers, and enjoyed spending time playing card games with family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Tom Slater; children, Sandra Knop of Harvard, IL and Mark (Kathleen) Slater of Poplar Grove, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Caroline Voce) and Matthew Knop, and Tyler, Brandon, and Zachary Slater; great-grandkids Jordan and Elway; siblings, Jean Simkins of Batavia, IL, Bonnie Kitterman of Lake Villa, IL, Larry Bentley of Tucson, AZ, Karen Witt of Litchfield Park, AZ, and Becky Martinez of Harshaw, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

In death, she is reunited with her parents, Arthur and Mildred Bentley; infant daughters, Kathy and Deborah Slater; and brother, Robert Bentley.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 10:30AM until a funeral service at 12:30PM. Services at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. Interment will follow at McHenry County Memorial Park.

Memorial donations can be made in Ruth’s honor to the Harvard Moose Lodge, 22500 IL-173, Harvard, IL 60033.

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