Irinda Jo (Higby) Slater

Irinda Jo Slater, 70 years old, passed away in South Bend on Friday, June 2, 2023, surrounded by her family. Irinda was born on April 3, 1953, in South Bend to the late Howard and Betty (Kunkleman) Higby. She lived in North Liberty since 1977. On October 2, 1971, in South Bend, Irinda and Ronald S. Slater were united in marriage.

Along with Ron, her loving husband of 51 years, Irinda is survived by their two sons and daughters-in-law, Rusty (Julie) Slater of Noblesville, IN and Cliff (Lindsey) Slater of South Bend; two grandchildren, Tucker and Harper; sister, Leslie (Jim) Wenger of Niles, MI; and two brothers, Howard (Carolyn) Higby of Goshen, IN and Chris Higby of South Bend. 

Irinda and Ron met through her brother Howard when Irinda was 12 and Ron was 15. They quickly fell for each other, and Ron attended her grade-school graduation. They dated for six years before marrying in 1971. Irinda and Ron were inseparable since childhood; their love story is one that stood the test of time and stands as an example of true love to their family and friends.

Irinda enjoyed going to the beach to watch the sunset, especially with Ron and her friend Kathy, playing cards, crocheting, sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, and the Beatles. Irinda was very artistic and liked making thoughtful homemade gifts for her loved ones. She spent over 20 years as a member of Tri Kappa, a local philanthropic organization, in North Liberty. Irinda worked as a pharmacy technician and an insurance secretary for a local dentist’s office.

Irinda dedicated her life to her family, ensuring that they were happy before thinking about herself. When her sons were young, she served as a room mother for their classrooms, attended their sports games, and volunteered with their Boy Scout Troops. Irinda was the glue that held her family together, and she delighted in planning every holiday get-together. For each holiday gathering, Irinda took pleasure in doing all the cooking, baking, and decorating. She was a talented baker and cake decorator; her biggest baking project was making a gorgeous cake for Rusty and Julie’s wedding. In recent years, she treasured making exquisite birthday cakes for her grandchildren, Tucker and Harper. Tucker and Harper were the light of her life, and she adored talking about them and spoiling them. Irinda was the pillar of her family, and her loving legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her loved ones. 

Per Irinda’s wishes, there will be no services or visitation. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Irinda Jo Slater may be donated to River Bend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN  46615. Online condolences may be offered to the Slater family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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