SLAUGHTER, Cleo

Cleo Combs Slaughter, was born September 10, 1906 in Turpin, Oklahoma and joined our heavenly father on October 26, 2001. Cleo was a beautiful grandmother, a loving sister and a good friend to all. Cleo was raised in Oklahoma and eventually taught class for eight years in country grade schools there. In August of 1933, at age 27, she moved to Phoenix in order to join her sister and family. Eventually, Cleo desired a change from teaching and so she began her pursuit of business as an occupation and enrolled at the Gregg Business College in downtown Phoenix. Upon her graduation, Cleo became a teacher at the college for several years. During this time, she also decided to enhance her accounting skills and enrolled at Arizona State University, where she received her degree in 1940. Subsequently, Cleo volunteered for Governor Sidney P. Osborne's successful gubernatorial campaign in 1941, and was rewarded with job as an accountant in the Governor's office. Her service to the State of Arizona continued in several capacities for the next 35 years. In August of 1944, Cleo married John Alexander Slaughter and was a loving wife and homemaker until his death in 1994. Shortly after her marriage, she began participating in the activities of local civic groups and charities. She especially liked the social interaction, the camaraderie of other businesswomen, and generally being associated with worthy causes. During this time, she also served as the President of the Phoenix Capital BPW organization, and played an active role in the American Society of Women Accountants. Cleo is survived by her son, Alan Slaughter, Payson Arizona; her four Grandchildren, Lynn Garcia, Bisbee Arizona; Lyle Slaughter, Phoenix; Larry Slaughter, Payson Arizona; and LeighAnn Rooks, Payson Arizona; and her eight Grandchildren. Cleo is also survived by her Brother Clyde Combs, Turpin, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation was held Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at the LDS Church located at 4601 W. Encanto Blvd. The funeral service immediately followed. Interment at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery where Cleo was laid to rest next to her husband John. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Cleo's name to Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Avenue, Suite A100, Phoenix AZ 85021. Services provided by Camelback Sunset Chapel. Arizona Republic Tuesday, October 30, 2001