Margaret Slater's Obituary
Margaret G. Slater, 97, of Ramsey, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ramsey, with Rev. Fr. Seth Brown officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Ramsey. Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Margaret Geraldine Holbrook was born on November 11, 1928, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Henry and Katherine (Bergin) Holbrook. She married Donald Everett Slater on April 17, 1949, and together they shared 65 years of marriage until his passing on February 21, 2015. They were blessed with three children.
A devoted homemaker, Margaret dedicated her life to caring for her family. She supported her husband in their farming life, always ready to lend a hand and prepare meals for long days in the field. She loved cooking for family celebrations, especially baking pies, and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard. Her spirited personality shone through in her love of gardening, visiting with friends and neighbors, and being constantly on the move. Her determination and positive outlook were hallmarks of her long life.
Margaret was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephew. She cherished her family deeply and was always ready with support, encouragement, and a warm welcome.
A faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Margaret volunteered generously, organizing meals, assisting with the food pantry, and participating in the Altar Society. She was also a member of the Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95 Auxiliary.
Mrs. Slater is survived by her daughter, Pat, and husband, Gary Schroeder, of Decatur; daughter, Cheryle, and husband, Mike Meyer, of Brownstown; son, Dennis Slater, and wife, Michelle, of Mercer, WI; grandchildren, Shayla, and husband, Jeff Parker, of Mahomet, and Caleb Slater, and wife, MacKenzie, of St. Cloud, MN; great grandson, Brocton Parker of Mahomet; nephew, Darrel Holbrook of Ramsey; nieces, Stacia Holbrook of Ramsey, and Kelsey, and husband, Tim Bost, of Fillmore; great nephews, Gannon and Brooks Bost; great niece, River Bost; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her brother, Nelson Holbrook.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?

