Obituary of Vira Mabel Slater

Vira M. Slater, age 96, passed away on November 16, 2021, at Garnet Medical Center in Harris, NY.

She was born to Doris and Ralph Hornbeck in Eureka, NY. Vira was a lifelong resident of the Ellenville and Grahamsville communities.

Vira grew up on the family farm in Yeagersville. Following graduation from Ellenville High School she was employed by the Ellenville Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. When Vira married she stayed home raising her family and helping with farm chores. After her children were grown, she found employment as a nurse's aide with the Sullivan County Infirmary. Vira retired after twenty-five years, only to continue her caregiving in more informal ways.

Vira appreciated the many wonderful gifts of nature including fishing, gardening, and hiking. She regularly walked through the woods and along country roads well into her senior years. Staying active in mind as well as body, Vira was an avid reader, wrote poetry, enjoyed crossword puzzles and a friendly game of cards. She had a kind heart, a positive outlook on life and enjoyed being with other people.

Vira was a dedicated member of the WSCS Sundown Methodist Church. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star as well as the Ladies Auxiliary of both Grahamsville Fire Department and the VFW. She also enjoyed attending meetings of the Mountain Doll Club.

Vira is survived by her son Gary and his wife Robin, sister Betty Shaver, and sister-in-law Elise Hornbeck, all of Grahamsville. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. Vira was predeceased by her daughter Teresa Horvath, brother Raymond Hornbeck, sister Dorothy Botsford and her husband Milton Botsford, and niece Dona (Botsford) Valletta.

Services will be held in late spring. The family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff at Sullivan County Adult Care Center for the loving care they provided throughout her stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Sundown, 11 Barnum Rd., Sundown, NY 12740.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com

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