Richard J. Slotterback

Richard John Slotterback, 92, of Lavelle, passed from the arms of his beloved wife and children into the presence of God while at home in Lavelle on Friday, January 13, 2023. 

Born October 27, 1930 in Lavelle, he was the son of the late Guy and Helen (Overkott) Slotterback.  After graduating from the former Ashland High School in 1949, he honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, earning the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals.   Early in life, he worked in his father’s Chevrolet Car Dealership as a mechanic and drove school busses and long-haul trucks. Later he worked as a machinist/welder at Kennedy Van Saun Co in Danville and Delta Truck Body in Leesport. 

Friends and family alike found Richard a one-of-a-kind guy, an old-world gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, quick wit, and love of word play.  He honed his cow-milking skills in childhood, set the clock ahead in school to shorten the day when the teacher stepped out of the one room schoolhouse, grew immense cantaloupe in his bountiful garden which he hand-cultivated, and wore red suspenders and red socks.  He loved music, travel, cats, birds, flowers, sunsets and daily walks in nature, all of which he enjoyed through his last days in this world.  Above all, he was a loving faithful husband to his beloved wife Ruth Ann and a devoted father to John and Sally.  He was indeed beloved on the earth.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Guy and Robert, and sisters, Anna, Marion, and Grace. 

Richard is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Ruth Ann (Yost) Slotterback; son John Slotterback of Catawissa; daughter Sally Slotterback of Lavelle; sister Elva Slotterback of Orwigsburg, along with nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service of Christian Burial with military honors, at 12 noon on Monday, January 16th, 2023 in Citizen’s Cemetery, Lavelle. Officiating will be Mr. John Kessler. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hillside SPCA, Inc., PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or Christ Evangelical Congregational Church, P.O. Box 202, Lavelle, PA. 17943. To offer condolences, please visit:  www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. 

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