Barbara Francis Slay

Barbara Francis Slay was born on Nov. 3, 1937 to Marvin Coleman and Florence (Heisner) Coleman. She began and ended life in Rhinelander, passing away quietly in her home on July 10, 2023 at the age of 85.

A notorious night owl, for many years Barbara worked the late shift as an auditor for Holiday Inn. She enjoyed coffee, chocolate, and crosswords (the trickier the better), books (especially mysteries and crime novels), and above all, movies. She was an avid film buff and loved to spend her time watching movies and chatting about film trivia.

She would also talk long into the night on the phone with her beloved son, Jimmie Lee Slay, who preceded her in death nearly a decade ago and was dearly missed.

Barb will be remembered by her family, including grandchildren Melonie Johnson, Eric Slay, Justin Slay, and Dionna Slay, daughter-in-law Linda Sue Slay, sisters-in-law Helen and Sandy, great-granddaughters Eva, Aishtyn, Ashly, Hailee, and Gwyn, and many nieces and nephews. Fond mention of her niece Terri Reese, who was Barb’s constant companion these last several years. 

The last of the original “Coleman Girls,” Barbara was preceded in death by her sisters Bernice Kuschel, Doris Meyer, Joan Reese, Lillian Alsteen, Luella Jones, Rosalie Fessenden and Sue Langbecker, and brothers Bruce, Douglas, Robert, Roger and Ronald Coleman.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists.