Frances Slinkman took an angel’s hand and journeyed to heaven on February 20, 2012, to meet her Lord and family. She was born to William Henry and Lois White Slinkman on February 25, 1918 in Eldon, Missouri.
Her family moved to Kansas where she graduated with a BA from Kansas State Teachers College and began her teaching career. During family trips to Colorado, she developed a love for the mountains, which lasted a lifetime. She attended Colorado State Teacher’s College where she earned her Master in Education degree in 1946.
Her long and distinguished career included teaching positions in Missouri, Kansas and Oregon. In 1946, she moved to what would become her favorite place of all, Colorado Springs, where she spent 32 years inspiring countless second graders in District #11, retiring in 1978.
Weaving, reading, gardening, photography, hiking, traveling and being a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for 64 years brought joy to her. She belonged to the PPSPERA (retired teachers), Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, UMW Nightingale Circle, AAUW, book clubs and was member of the Fine Arts Center. She volunteered for several organizations. She sponsored several children through Compassion International and even traveled to Ecuador to meet one of these children.
Frances’ parents, brothers Roger and Harold Slinkman and sister Kathe Ives Hammond, preceded her in death. She is survived by her dear friend Georgia Smith, brother Richard Slinkman and wife, Jean, (MN) sister-in-law, Zoe Slinkman, (VA) many precious nieces and nephews, several cousins and a host of friends who will miss her smile and humor.
Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 2PM. A reception will follow. A private family Inurnment Service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Memorial Remembrances may be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668 or the First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903.