Caryl Elin Slaughter


Caryl Elin (Van Artsdalen) Slaughter was born on Dec. 27th, 1955, and slipped away peacefully on Feb. 2nd, 2025. Her parents both preceded her in death as did her beloved brother David who passed in 2006. Caryl thought the world of David and spoke of him often. She was an aunt to David’s two children, James and Megan. She also leaves two cousins, twin brothers Robert in California, and William David DeCubellis in Rhode Island. She was married to Bruce Slaughter for eight years. The marriage ended and there were no children.
She attended Ferris State and Spring Arbor colleges, graduating with a BA Degree. In 1979 she started her employment with the Michigan Dept. of Corrections at the Michigan Training Unit as a corrections officer in Ionia, MI. She left there and worked for Michigan Dept. of Human Services in Vital Records until retiring in 2014.
Caryl had many friends and acquaintances in her life. Two very close friends, Julie Wiles and Pam Jackson lived nearby and they will miss her kind and sweet smile and gentle laugh. Laurel Beals is another friend who stepped up as a caregiver, taking Caryl to appointments and often going out for a meal afterwards. Mittens was Caryl’s cat and one she loved with all her heart.
She kept all of her friends and relatives up to date via social media and occasional phone calls. We know she was grateful to all the medical staff at Burcham Hills Medical Center and the U of M Sparrow Hospital for their kindness while she was in their professional care. Caryl mentioned that when she was growing up near Potter Park Zoo, she loved to hear the lions roar when her window was open on a hot summer night. It must have been a soothing way to go to sleep. May she rest in peace. She will be dearly missed.
Per Caryl’s wishes, there will be no service.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
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Penny Delaney
February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pmI loved Caryl Slaughter. We met at Spring Arbor and “did life” together. When she lived in Cagewidch Park, she would invite us pool side. She was “another mother” to my pre-teenage son. She was able to meet him again as an adult and see her influence in helping him to become the man he is today. I’ll miss her spirit and sense of humor the most. Until we meet again, my sister in Christ!