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Wendy Steele Slabaugh

Wendy Slabaugh Obituary

STEELE SLABAUGH Wendy Steele Slabaugh, of Columbus, born January 4, 1958, died suddenly October 1, 2005. She was preceded in death by parents Bernard and Miriam Steele. Survived by husband, Randy; brother, Gregg (Sharon) Steele, of Columbus; and step-son, Brandon; family, and many loving friends. Wendy worked at CD 101, as the senior account executive in advertising for 11 years. Previously, she was a well know DJ for QFM 96, was the host of "Steel" vision, and also a member of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Funeral service 2 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2005 at THE EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3232 E. Main Street, with Rabbi Harold Berman officiating. Burial to follow at the New Temple Israel Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Slabaugh residence. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society. Wendy touched the lives of many people with her sense of humor, generous spirit, love of music, and kindness to all. She will be sorely missed. Online guestbook at www.epsteinmemorialchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Oct. 2 to Oct. 3, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Wendy Slabaugh

Sponsored by Dave Repp.

28 Entries

Bob Lewe Jr

July 6, 2025

I had dated Wendy a few times back when I worked at Sunny 95. Found out doing an internet search. She was a very nice person.

Robert Ray Alley

December 22, 2024

Wendy Steele was a regular at Ron's Eastside Shell carwash where I worked .Many times she offered me promotion records out of her trunk which I still own.
A beautiful smile and wonderful personality is what I miss with her passing.
Rock with the angels girl!

Eric Harrison

July 22, 2016

I just recently heard about the passing of Wendy...and I wanted to share my condolences.

Back in 1986, I was "Eric the Intern" and a lot of my duties occurred during Wendy's shift. I had admired her show before I knew her...and more so after I had an opportunity to work with her.

There are many great memories, but this was my favorite - when I finally graduated from OSU, I went to the studio on my last day. Wendy said she needed me in the studio and I ran in. She then announced on the air " this is Eric the interns last day...and we are going to miss him" and then she played Steely Dan "My Old School."

She turned off the mic, slowly stood and hugged me. Not a "see ya" hug, but a deep caring hug. I am not an emotive person, but that meant a lot to me.

I was looking Wendy to maybe "catch up" and I am saddened she is gone.

Wendy was a great DJ...and an even better human.

Eric "the Intern"

May 12, 2016

Lived in Columbus and worked at WSNY back
in the 80's. Knew Wendy & just found out
doing internet search. My condolences.
Bob Lewe Jr. a.k.a. Bob Lewis

Tim Kerr

March 26, 2014

Wanted to pass along my condolences as I only just found out of her passing today. Wendy was a great friend, and one to remember.

October 1, 2009

Kevin Burtyk

October 1, 2009

This just can't be true. It's exactly four years to the day, and I'm just finding this out now.

Her co-workers at Q-FM-96 used to tease her about me; thinking we had a flirtatious relationship. She played me a trio of songs several times during the afternoon. She was just being kind to a disabled-listener, and this kindness helped me during some rough times.

There is no doubt that I loved her dearly. I wished her well when she got married and I moved on. As I write this, I am still in shock. The emptiness is overwhelming.

Dear, dear Miriam. Please know that my prayers are with you. And please know that your daughter made a lasting impact on someone who needed a loving friend such as Wendy. Forgive me if I sound the least bit selfish in expressing my sorrow.

God bless you and your family,

Kevin
www.Burtyk.com

(\O/)
-/_\-

Sue Cohen Bender

October 30, 2005

To Wendy's husband and family,

I was a sorority sister of Wendy's from OSU. She was a few years ahead of me in school, so we didn't know each very well. When I would occasionally run into her in Columbus, she was always so friendly. I was shocked and saddened to hear of her passing.

My thoughts and sympathy go out to her entire family.

Melissa Webber

October 14, 2005

I knew Wendy "way back when". We met at Bexley Junior High and stayed close friends through High School. While I have not seen her for years, I will never forget her big smile and ready laugh. She is a wonderful part of my memories and I will miss her.

Debi Carpenter

October 14, 2005

To Wendy's Family - I was so shocked to hear of Wendy's passing and am so sorry for your loss. I was a client (& friend) of Wendy's for many years. She will be missed.

Rob & Vicki Roush/ Dave Sr./Dave Jr./Jennie /Lair

October 5, 2005

Randy,

I know you probably can not read all of these but I hope from the ones you do read you can get some kind of ???? I dont know. Dave Jr. told me he talked to you today at your house and that hopefully helped you start to get through the greiving . I do not know you that well but I know you well enough to know this has to suck and if I can do anything at all please call.

Rob Roush

Mike Vernon

October 5, 2005

The world is a little worse off for it has lost one of its shinning lights. I will deeply miss Columbus' original 'Rock 'n Roll Mama' as Wendy was one of my dearest friends. Wendy personified the spirit of independent radio and made all of us in media look good. She was always there for her friends and family, a great friend anyone would be proud to have. I will miss her dearly. Going the extra mile kinda defines her. Randy, I know you made her happy and I am so sorry that your time has been cut short. My very best to your family and hers. Wendy - Shine on you crazy diamond, save a seat for me. - Vern

tony perisi

October 5, 2005

i was an intern at Q-FM 96 in 1988 working with Mark 'MUNCH' Bishop. I am sure Wendy will be greatly missed.

John & Betsy Durzo

October 4, 2005

Our deepest condolences to Wendy's family and friends. I will always remember how strongly she supported local musicians. We will sincerely miss her.

Jill Beadburn

October 4, 2005

To Wendy's family,

Our hearts go out to you. Wendy was sitting behind us at a Crew game a few weeks ago. Having not seen her for sometime, we turned around and had that familiar feeling. As always Wendy gave that sincere smile and we caught up on things. Although it had been since the early eighties when Wendy so kindly supported the music of many local musicians, it seemed like yesterday when we spoke. She gave the music business a special feeling in Columbus. We'll miss you Wendy...

Sincerely,

Jill and Rich Bradburn

Lou Griffith

October 4, 2005

I was, and still am, shocked to hear of Wendy's passsing. Day after day, event after event, Wendy was the host of the party and the bright light in the crowd. More times than I can remember I called upon her for her skills, talent, and advice ... and she never let me down. You listen to the radio today, and Wendy is still there. I believe she truely loved her work, her life, but most of all ... her family. My blessings and prayers to them all. I will miss our little catch-up sessions at the station kitchen.

Greg Bartram

October 3, 2005

I have thought all day about what/whether to write, how to tap into this odd feeling I am experiencing. I've known Wendy for probably 25 years, and yet not particularly well. Ours would fall into the 'haven't seen you in quite some time' category of friendship, and yet you would never know that from her greetings. The eyes would always light up, the smile huge and genuine, the hug heartfelt and comforting, even if no comfort was needed. There was an instantly recognizable sincerity that, frankly, can be somewhat sparse in the business world that she made her own. And somehow, it was that very sincerity that enabled her to make it her own, allowed her to be a ray of warmth in a client's potentially otherwise-difficult day. I wondered whether or not I should post something here...until I remembered the glowing terms she used when, as a PD at QFM-96, she went out of her way to use her column in some of the industry trades to write about my band's first release. I remember being honored then that she would use her short published piece to write about us, and I realized she certainly deserves a few words today. Wendy, we honor your memory, and from what we can read here, you will live in our memories as long as God gives us to have them.

May her family find some form of comfort in the memories shared here.

JJ Jeffries

October 3, 2005

To Wendy's family...so terribly sorry for your loss. I lost track of Wendy over the years, but it was the foundation of friendship she gave that made all who knew her stronger. Every day she'd come in for her Midday Shift at QFM 96..tap the top of that Tab and then pop it open and Go! She possessed great worldliness and a keen fashion sense that I admired. But mostly, I just loved being her friend. I pulled out the old photos and that was hard..the memories..but she wouldn't want us to bum out, would she? Oh, Wendy, Go in Peace!! Love, JJ

Munch Bishop

October 3, 2005

Wendy will always be my little Sister. I remember her starting at Q-FM-96 doing the "taking it to the streets" segment which meant she went out asking the question of the day to strangers. She did this better than good and voila, she was an integral member of the early days air staff at the Q. Man, her Mom's place came in handy first and foremost to see Mom Steele and to meet Wendy in the Short North (when the only art walk was a stagger to your car) but also to get an early morning "medicinal cocktail" when needed. Those were the days, glad they are gone, but it was another space in time.

WEndy was always rockin', always smilin', always there for friends. She stood by me when I had some rough times personally and was ALWAYS there with a smile for friends in need.

Munch Bishop

Adam Kontras

October 3, 2005

My deepest sympathies go out to Wendy's family. I worked with her for a couple of years at CD101 and am absolutely shocked by this news. We worked together on several commercials, and as everyone is at CD101 - she was part of the family. I can only imagine the heartbreak everyone is feeling right now and there simply aren't the words to express it.

Ronni Hunter

October 3, 2005

Randy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am in radio because of Wendy and Women like her. Wendy's amazing character, talent, kindness and passion, have been a beacon for me. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of her sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

-Ronni

donna hara

October 3, 2005

We want to express our deepest sympathy and regret at your tragic loss. Wendy was such a lovely, funny, and sweet lady. We have known her and her family for many many years and she and they are very dear to our hearts. She lit up a room and always made us laugh. She will be so missed.

Take comfort in your memories of her.

Donna and Hani Hara

Greg Sours

October 3, 2005

My deepest sympathy

I met Wendy a few years ago when working on a Green Team project at Cd101. I was immediately drawn to her energy and genuine glow.

I have bumped into her off and on in the last few years and she still had that glow.

Her spirit and energy will be greatly missed in Columbus Music Scene.

Greg Sours

Jay Minkin

October 3, 2005

The WIS kid. She was forever young. I remember her learning her craft working at the OSU radio station, visiting her Mom at the old Press Grille when it was truly a "classic", and other "moments" captured in timeless photographs.

My heart goes out to Randy, Gregg, family and friends. Listen to "Back on The Chain Gang" by The Pretenders or one of her favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen & "Devils & Dust". Dedicated to Wendy today. By request.

Sally Fingerett

October 3, 2005

To Wendy's husband and family, I send my sincerest and heartfelt condolences.

I met Wendy in the early 80’s when she was at QFM 96, and I will always be grateful for her support and kindness as I was a musician new to Columbus.

Fast forward to 2001, when my husband, Michael Stan and I had just started dating, he took me to his Aunt Rosie's for breaking the Yom Kippur (Jewish High Holiday) fast. There in the living room stood Wendy. We looked at each other and did that girly yell girlfriends do when they see an old gal pal. "What are you doing here?" we both asked at the same time. It appears that I was dating her second cousin. So there we stood, two Rocker Chicks from the 80's, balancing our plates of bagels and blintzes in a Bexley living room catching up. Wendy was the very picture of a gifted and intelligent woman having enjoyed a good life over the 20 years since we'd first met. She had grown and changed with elegance and style, she had fallen in love and married the man of her dreams while enjoying a brilliant career. It seems that keeping her head and heart connected to her spiritual community of family and friends was of great importance to her. She warmly and openly welcomed me in as if only a few days had passed between our meetings. She was quite a dame! Wendy will be missed immeasurably, and to those who love her, I wish for you comfort and peace.

Mindy Law ( Cohen)

October 2, 2005

Sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Wendy also from Sunday School and we were also both good friends with Dana Pearson. No words can express how you feel but remember she will be in our hearts and memories forever!

stacey Cohen ( Ruben)

October 2, 2005

I got woken up from Debbie Stone this morning who told me of this sad news. Really very sad. Wendy and I were school friends but more importantly we had a religious experience together. We hated Sunday school and sat through together EVERY SUNDAY until our confirmation. For me personally its ironic that I found out today on a Sunday. Our careers paralled each other, as I have been in radio all over the country and I always felt she was lucky that she stayed in Columbus and stuck with one station as opposed to many. In this industry at this time that is a rare achievement. It is not easy to do. When I think of Wendy it is her big laugh that comes to mind. She had a huge smile and a laugh that will echo in my heart. A big piece of my childhood just got tugged.

Curtis & Gerda Williams

October 2, 2005

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one, Wendy. We did not get to know her well, but understood from Brandon, that she was a very nice lady, and he liked her very much.

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