Blanche R. (Riker) Slates

Blanche R. Slates 82, of McDonald, passed, Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

She was born April 27, 1937 in Sheradan; a daughter of James and Ruth Techemeyer Riker.

Blanche was a graduate of West Allegheny High School class of 1955. She was the first female Supervisor/Secretary of Robinson Township, Washington County.  She then became the assistant director at the Washington County Historical Society.

On November 3, 1956, she married Charles E. Slates, who survives.

Mrs. Slates was a member of the First United Methodist Church, McDonald where she was a former choir director, council member, and Sunday School teacher. She was a founding member of McDonald Meals on Wheels and M.A.R.A. and the head of the Historical section of the McDonald Trail Station. Blanche was also a librarian at the McDonald Free Library and a member of the McDonald Community Choir

Mrs. Slates enjoyed quilting, sewing, traveling, and loved to sing.

Surviving are three children, David (Denise) Slates of Hickory, Lori (Walter) Vance of Coraopolis and Michael (Anne) Slates of McDonald; two sisters, Emmalu McIlwain of Andover, OH and Roberta Gorring of Erie; two grandchildren, Meagan and Kelly Slates; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three brothers, James, Jack and William Riker; and a sister, Ruth Giorando.

Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and CDC guidelines, all services are private. A public memorial service, to celebrate Blanche’s life, will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to McDonald Meals on Wheels, 119 Station St., McDonald, PA 15057, the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the First United Methodist Church, 232 E. Lincoln Ave, McDonald, PA 15057.

The Slates family would like to thank the staff at the Washington County home, adult daycare center, and the Weirton Geriatrics center staff.