Marsha Gail Slayton

1948-2025

Marsha Gail Slayton, 76, Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025.

She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 9, 1948, to Saul and Sara (Pankey) Pearlman.

She was a devoted member of Beit Echad Synagogue in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

She was married to Dr. John W. Slayton for 49 years, they married on June 15, 1975.

Marsha placed great value on education, earning a master’s degree in education, which paved the way for her profoundly impactful career. She dedicated over three decades to the Saint Joseph School District, where she passionately served as a special education teacher. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy for children was evident in her involvement with various educational organizations.

She was an avid reader and found joy in the simple pleasures of watching game show networks. Her love for animals was profound and she supported many animal organizations with heartfelt donations. Marsha's bond with her family was exceptional; distance did not hinder the close connection with her siblings as they shared conversations almost daily.

Marsha was a great listener and adviser, often dispensing sage advice to her daughter, Margaret, who considered her not just a mother but also a best friend. Margaret was the former Outdoor reporter for the St. Joseph News-Press.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Cindy Slayton; parents; brother, Sam (Judy) Pearlman; and her mother-in-law, Margaret Slayton.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. John W. Slayton, her daughter, Margaret Slayton, brother Kieve (Sandy) Pearlman, sister Mindy (David) Spitzer, and sister-in-law, Sharon (Paul) Kuharich. Her loss will be profoundly felt by her family, including her numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment B’Nai Yaakov Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to Beit Echad Synagogue, www.beit-echad.net. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

https://www.meierhoffer.com/obituaries/Marsha-Gail-Slayton?obId=34455171