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Our wonderful husband, father and Poppy took the hand of Jesus and entered Heaven on July 23, 2023. Roger was born in Cody, Wyoming on Jan. 24, 1938, to Clarence and Clara (Beightol) Slack. He grew up on the family homestead outside Meeteetse, Wyoming.
He graduated from Meeteetse High School in 1956 and then attended the University of Wyoming and Northwest Community College.
In 1957, Roger’s cousin Priscilla (Slack) Miller brought her friend, Louise, from church in Cody to ride horses with her on Roger’s family homestead. During this visit, Roger was introduced to Louise and asked her out on their first date.
Roger’s relationship with Louise led to another relationship that he cherished and nurtured throughout his life — his relationship with Jesus Christ. Before they were married, Louise invited Roger to attend a revival service led by her dad, Rev. Delbert Tetrick. During the service, Roger learned about Jesus, his sacrifice for sins and God’s plan for mankind to spend eternity in heaven. Roger realized he hadn’t known what would happen when he died, so he gave his life to Jesus that night and spent the rest of his life in grateful service for the gift of salvation and the hope it gave him of what would come after his earthly life was over.
Roger married Delsie Louise Tetrick on Aug. 9, 1959. They welcomed three children (Darla, Derek, and Sandra) into their family. Roger was an excellent father who shared his faith in Jesus through teaching and how he lived his life. He also taught his children about his love of learning and the value of education. His example, encouragement, and support led to all three of his children becoming Christians, earning college degrees and having professional careers.
Roger and Louise farmed first at Meeteetse, then on Heart Mountain and finally at Penrose.
Roger was an excellent mechanic and was provided many opportunities to practice on his farm equipment. After farming for many years, Roger was then called into the ministry. He completed coursework and was ordained. He was a bi-vocational pastor for Garland Community Church of God while also driving hay cubers, cube trucks and finally school buses. In fact, Roger logged hundreds of thousands of miles driving the activity bus for Park County School District 1 in Powell, Wyoming. Louise and Roger retired in 2008 and moved to Billings, Montana, to be close to family.
Roger and Louise enjoyed traveling. Destinations of special note are Australia, England, Ireland, Puerto Rico, a cruise through the Panama Canal and an Alaskan cruise. Roger and Louise also enjoyed traveling in their fifth-wheel camper. Many fond memories were made traveling the Al-Can Highway with Louise’s sister and brother and their spouses.
Roger enjoyed his grandchildren, stating after the first was born, “If I had known how much fun grandchildren are, I would have had them first.”
Despite many health issues in his later years, Roger kept his faith and sense of humor. A special thank you to the hospice team (Amber, Doug, Melissa, Megan, Elizabeth and Ariel) who helped Roger live his last days at home.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Clara Slack, and brother Terry Slack.
Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delsie Louise Slack; daughters Darla (Steve) Helms, and Sandra (Erik) Ohman; son Derek (Lynne) Slack; grandchildren LoRae Helms, Ty Helms, Annika (Preston) Holmes, Isak (Tori) Ohman, Evan Slack, and Emma Slack; as well as brothers James Slack and Don (Marion) Slack.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2023 at East Gate Wesleyan Church located at 625 Mattson Lane, Billings, Montana. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or East Gate Wesleyan Church.
