Mary Elaine Baustian Slaughter, died in peace in her sleep in her family?s home in Austin after an extended battle with cancer on January 9th, 2009. Elaine was born and raised in the family farm near Luverne, Minn., the oldest of 12 children. She went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad at age 18 as a telegraph operator, where she retired after 42 years. Elaine loved raising flowers and was a member, treasure and president of the Valley African Violet Society. She loved reading, fishing, traveling and going to the horse races and baseball games in retirement with her husband Dave before his death. Throughout her life she was a generous and caring woman who was always ready to lend help and support to her family and friends. She was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Many thanks to the residents of Palm Gardens Retirement Park, where she resided for her last 14 years, for all their help to Elaine in the last few years. Also, thank you to Sandy Jo Funk Hospice. Mary Elaine Baustian Slaughter, born Sept. 14, 1923, passed away on Jan. 9, 2009. Preceded in death by parents; Frances and Walter Baustian, Sr., eight brothers and sisters and husband; David Slaughter. Survived by Daughter; Sharon Hartman, Grandchildren; Jamie Hartman and wife Sheilah and Heather Boenker and husband Jason, Great-Grandson; Keenan Ripley, Sisters; Neva Clausen, Sister Joann Baustian, Brothers; Lester Baustian and wife Leora, Walter Baustian, Jr. and wife Jean, Sister-in-laws; Mitzi and Lila Baustian and many extended family members. Memorial may be made to Adrienne Dominican Sisters at Adrienne, Michigan. Memorial Services at St. Catherines Catholic Church in Luverne, Minn., Saturday, January 17th, 2009, Visitation 12:00pmwith and Mass at 1:30pm, Fr. Thomas Jennings officiating.