Deanna Slater

Deanna Kaye (Benson) Slater, 79, of Westminster, Colorado, passed away peacefully May 29th, 2021, after a courageous effort battling multiple and significant ailments.

Deanna was born in Lodi, Ohio, December 15th, 1941 as the only child of Chalmers A. and Maxine L. (Repp) Benson. Both parents proceeded her in death.

Deanna is survived by her husband Charles Edward Slater and their only child Benny Joel (BJ) Slater and his family that resides in Denver, Colorado. BJ's family includes his wife Christina Marie, daughter Abigail Grace and son Owen Michael. Deanna dearly loved her grandkids and often spoke proudly of their accomplishments and successes to everyone!

Deanna graduated from Lodi, High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended the Koester School in Chicago where she received a Diploma in Window Display Design. From there she moved to Wooster, Ohio and was hired by the William Annat Company department store to decorate their large product display windows. Her creative display designs and decorating talents won both national and international awards.

June 7th, 1964, Deanna married the love of her life, Charles Slater in Lodi, Ohio.

In 1981, Deanna's husband Charles took an Engineering position at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado and relocated the family there.

In 1989, Deanna was hired as a receptionist at the Westminster, Colorado, Ethan Allen furniture store. She was later promoted to Assistant Manager and held that position until she retired in 1998.

Her favorite bird was the Cardinal, but her true passion was horses! Deanna loved horses all her life dating back to her childhood days when she enjoyed riding the family ponies. During her early married years in Ohio, Deanna actually broke and trained 2 Palominos for family friends! Without a doubt, her biggest passion was decorating. Deanna was only too happy to offer for free, cost saving tips and advise with color selections and decorating ideas to neighbors and friends. Of course, her decorating expertise was on display in her home and outside with her pretty flower pots and beds and around the property!

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 23 at 11:00am at the Horan & McConaty Arvada Chapel. Immediately following at 12:00pm, a Funeral Service will be held. Deanna will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Please share memories of Deanna and condolences with her family by visiting the Tribute Wall.