Patricia Ann "Patty" Smith Slater passed peacefully on November 14, 2025, at her home in Denton, TX, surrounded by her children.

Patty was born in McDermott, Ohio, on January 11, 1934, and grew up in Kentucky as the oldest of five children. She graduated from Raceland High School as valedictorian and was a majorette. She worked as a bookkeeper and pursued her love of music, purchasing an organ before marrying Ralph on September 16, 1954. She was a talented pianist, taught Sunday school, and was actively involved in numerous committees at First United Methodist Church in Denton, Texas. She loved quilting and crafted many for her family and friends. Her love of gardening was evident in her rock garden that became a beloved feature of her neighborhood.

Patty and Ralph's love story began in the 2nd grade and flourished over the decades. Ralph would show Patty the Weekly Reader and promise to take her to marvelous places — a promise they fulfilled by traveling to 111 countries. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and devotion, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends.

As "Nana," Patty was the heart of her family. She celebrated every birthday with a special homemade dessert for each child and grandchild, marked every event in her calendar, and never missed a game, concert, or milestone. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Patty is survived by her siblings: Margie Scott of Kentucky, Libby Campbell of Virginia, Teddy & David McBrayer of Kentucky, and Earl and Sandy Smith of Georgia. She is also survived by her children: Candy Blackmon of Denton, TX; Carol of Newark, TX; and David & Shannon Slater of Pilot Point, TX; her grandchildren: Brad Blackmon, Laurie Blackmon, Sarah & John Mark Tohlen, Jim & Pyper Davis, Hannah & Cal Andrews, Sarah & Derek Kader, Wesley & Victoria Slater, Caleb & Catherine Wardle, Joshua & Morgan Wardle, Victoria E Slater, Evan Slater, and Elizabeth Slater; 17 great-grandchildren (with three more on the way); and many cherished friends. . She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Ralph Arlen Slater, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage, her grandson, Brian Blackmon, and her parents, Elijah Theodore (E.T.) and Inez Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Denton, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Women in Faith.

Patty's life was defined by faith, love, and devotion — and though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort knowing she is smiling, hand in hand with Ralph, in Heaven.