Stella E. Buck-Slate's Obituary
Stella E. Slate Sept. 20, 1922 – July 31, 2011 Resident of Hayward Stella passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on July 31, 2011. Born Stella Ethel Buck on September 20, 1922 in Jamestown Tennessee, she was the Daughter of Martha and William Buck. After completing a course for riveting at a trade school in Cookeville Tennessee, Stella left Jamestown at the age of 18 and traveled to Michigan pursuing a WW II job as a riveter (Stella the Riveter). While working in Michigan she met and married Wilbur Slate. They moved to Hayward, California in 1948, where their two children Donna and Gary were born and raised. Stella and Wilbur built their family home in 1952, where she lived until she was called home to the Lord. Stella Slate was active in scouting, especially Handicapped Scouting, earning the distinguished Silver Beaver Award in 1989. She was involved with the Carpenters Women’s Auxiliary Group in Hayward for many years. She was also an active member at Bay Hill’s Community Church since the early1960’s, loving to cook in their kitchen on workdays and for many other special occasions. In 1994, Stella fulfilled a lifetime commitment to herself by going back to high school and getting her diploma at age 72. Stella is survived by her two children, Donna and Gary; three grandchildren, Michael, Gary, and Sara; three great grandchildren, Dystinee, Emma, and Alex; two brothers, Alvin and Arthur; and two sisters, Leta and Eula. She was also the proud aunt of thirty nieces and nephews, and fifty-four great nieces and nephews. Stella was preceded in death by her loving grandson, Robert; her parents, Martha and William; her brothers, Elmer, Willard, and Kenneth; and her sister, Marie. Stella was also loved and cherished by her large extended family and friends. She had grace, dignity, and class; and she was wise, always willing to listen, and dedicated to helping others. She will be remembered and missed by all who knew her. A private funeral service will be held at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward. Her Memorial Service will be held at Bay Hills Community Church in Hayward on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:30am. The family requests in lieu of flowers please make donations to Bay Hills Community church “Stella’s Kitchen Fund”.
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