Obituary Melba Gene Slater, 78, of Washington, IL died at 4:07 am Saturday, April 2, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Born on October 19, 1932 in Calumet City, OK, to David and Lucia Leedy Holly, she married Robert W. "Bob" Slater on May 16, 1952 in Peoria, IL. He survives. Also surviving are 4 children, Jackie Gustavson of Steubenville, OH, Robert "Buck" (Cindy) Slater, Susan (Jeff) Birkel, and Patti Heavrin, all of Washington, IL, 1 sister, Marlene Barnett of Meeker, OK, 7 grandchildren, Katie and Casey Heavrin, Brian and Jason Birkel, and Matt and Jennica Slater, all of Washington, IL, and Laura Gustavson of Steubenville, OH, and 1 great-granddaughter, Morgan. She was preceded in death by her parents. Gene worked as a draftsman in the Engineering Department at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 28 years, retiring in 1991. Services for Gene will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Mike McCoskey will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.