of Lafayette died peacefully and surround by her family on Saturday, December 31, 2011, at her home.
She was born December 16, 1921, in Lafayette to the late Andrew and Rose Arnold Waye. On January 11, 1938, she married Oathel Slaughterbeck in Lafayette, and he preceded her in death in March of 1991. Bessie was a devoted mother and her greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Surviving are her children Earl J. Slaughterbeck, (Diane), Elizabeth Sparger (Homer), Phillip Slaughterbeck (Kay), Timothy W. Slaughterbeck (Kathy) and Gayle Prewitt (Ben), all of Lafayette, Beverly Slaughterbeck of Montmorenci and 25 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren and a sister Dorothy Wyatt of AZ. Bessie was preceded in death by 3 daughters Vivian Slaughterbeck, Sue Briscoe and Frances Richardson, a son Mitchell A. Slaughterbeck, grandchildren Mark Briscoe, Mark Richardson, Carrie Slaughterbeck and Sandie Slaughterbeck Skoog and a great-grandson Jacob Byrd. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to a 11:00 AM service Tuesday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, Pastor William Murdock officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens.