Lydia Sue (Black) Slater Obituary (1942 - 2019)

Our beloved angel wife, mother and grandmother, Lydia Sue Black Slater, (1942-2019), peacefully passed away in her home in American Fork, Utah on October 24, 2019 following a battle with cancer that she fought with dignity and grace. As the second of five children, Sue was born on October 9, 1942, in Salt Lake City to Burton and Ruth Black. In her younger years, her family moved to Milford and Orem before finally settling in Pleasant Grove, Utah. She had a carefree childhood with fond memories of playing with her siblings and forming lifelong friendships. Sue developed a love of music through playing the piano and singing. She attended Pleasant Grove Jr. High and High School where she was a student body officer, as well as a member of the band, choir, debate teams, and performed as a "Viqueen." A forever love story began at the young age of 14 when beautiful Sue Black first laid eyes on handsome Jack Marvin Slater in the school auditorium. It didn't take long for the two of them to become high school sweethearts. After graduating, she attended the Church College of Hawaii while patiently waiting for Marv to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England. Shortly after his return, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1964. Sue treasured her family and considered her role as a mother to be her greatest calling and accomplishment. She had seven beautiful children, two of which had special needs. This calling came with great challenges, but in return, she received her most rewarding blessings. Each of her children had a uniquely deep and tender relationship with their mother because of her ability to show compassion, concern and unconditional love. Her home and family were built on a foundation of faith as she lived a Christ-centered life. She influenced many as she faithfully served in various Church callings in the Young Women and Relief Society organizations. Sue and Marvin were blessed with the opportunity to serve a full-time mission at the Mormon Trail Center in Omaha, Nebraska where they developed a deep love and appreciation for our pioneer ancestors. Her gifts and talents were shared with others in countless ways. Through work, Sue shared her love of music by teaching piano lessons. She also worked as a bank teller for many years where she had the ability to connect with people, bringing smiles to many faces. Sue had a gift for conversation and was easy to talk to. She was a good listener and a genuine friend to all who knew her. Spending time with family, lunch dates with friends, reading, camping, sewing, music, and travel were some of her favorite past times. She appreciated and found joy in the simple things in life like sunsets, wind chimes, fluffy clouds, snowy pines, fall leaves, mountains and looking out her window at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Each of these things will always remind us of her. Sue found great joy in loving and supporting her grandchildren. Whether on the sidelines of sporting events or sitting in the auditorium watching dance or choir concerts, she was their biggest fan and number one cheerleader. Countless hours and many sleepless nights were spent making gifts of baby blankets, afghans, pillowcases, bibs/burp clothes, holiday goodie bags and baptism and graduation quilts. These were a true labor of love and will be cherished by her family for generations to come. As we reflect upon the beautiful life Sue lived, she will be remembered for being present in the moment, always having an eternal perspective, and never letting a task to be done become more important than a person to be loved. Sue is survived by her sweetheart of 55 years, Jack Marvin Slater, and her seven children, Bradley Slater (Kimberlee), Rodney Slater (Jennifer), Vince Slater, Julie Shipp (Ryan), Ryan Slater (Candace), Katherine Slater and Travis Slater (Courtney); 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Tom Black, Colleen McCausland and Steve Black. Sue was preceded in death by her parents Burton and Ruth Black and brother Jim Black. Her life will be honored and celebrated Friday, November 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork East Stake Center located at 831 East 500 North, American Fork, Utah where friends and family may attend a viewing from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.