Barbara Jane Slavich

Barbara Ethel Jayne Slavich, 57, died peacefully Saturday night at her home in Roswell following extended illness. Barbara, although only a six year resident of Roswell, was a native New Mexican. She was born Barbara Bell in Lordsburg on January 9, 1954 of her school teacher parents, Charles and Elizabeth. For most of her life she was a resident of Boron, California where she attended school and worked at numerous occupations including restaurant owner, chemical plant operator and laboratory technician, homemaker, and mother. Barbara is survived by her husband of 27 years Michael and her two sons Steven Neil Rice, 33, of Boron, California and Michael Charles Slavich, 17, of Roswell. Barbara was a wonderful Mother and was very proud of her accomplishment of raising tow “only” children who were such good boys. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles Robert Bell of Quinto, Ecuador; James Lee Bell of Los Angeles, California and Annette Pepperman of Durant, Oklahoma. She was the member of a very close family and her brothers, sister and their children will miss her greatly. Barbara had many friends in Roswell and throughout the western United States and all will testify to her openness and “likeability.” She had the rare ability to turn a complete stranger into a friend in 15 minutes or less. Although devoting most of her tremendous energy and affection to her family, most of her closer associations were through her volunteer work in our community. Barbara was very active in working with the Assistance League of Chaves County and was an Ombudsman for the New Mexico Agency for the Aged. Barbara we Love You. A memorial gathering is scheduled Saturday, February 26, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in honor of Barbara Slavich. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. So the world is gone And there is so much to say I’ll tell you let’s meet at dawn I think you will miss it anyway The sky will be free Yet it takes time for sunlight It will speak softly let it be Feel the rays warm and bright I’ll mention the time it took And all light must pass through darkness I’ll point and tell you to look So I love you I must confess We will watch the sun And know of silence and regret Our fire will realize there was none I pray that light may never set As we reach the end I’ll tell you what you already know That sunlight is only on lend And that thistles and posies still grow ----McS

Barbara Jane Slavich

January 9, 1954 - February 20, 2011