Barbara Ann Slonecker

Barbara Ann (Sweetnam) Slonecker was born July 19, 1948, in Emmett, Idaho. She passed away on June 30, 2024, in McMinnville, Oregon, at the age of 75, with her sister, Mary, and a dear friend by her side. Her last days were made better by assistance from her loved sisters Deb and Jan and her lifelong friend, Sharon Brown, all from the northwest.
She was the third of six children of Richard and Eunice Sweetnam.
She graduated from Emmett High School in 1966; Boise State College in 1970 and began her career teaching art at the McMinnville High School.
She married John "Jack" Slonecker in 1972. They later moved back to Idaho and operated a day care center.
Later, Ann received her Masters Degree in School Counseling from Western Oregon College. She used her newfound degree and education to encourage and help young people. She spent her life educating which brought her much happiness and gained her many friendships.
She loved the Oregon Coast and lived in Lincoln City for several years. She enjoyed every opportunity to go back to the coast, especially to visit with her sisters and other family. Friends and family loved her keen sense of humor and laughter, respected her hard work, and enjoyed her company and insights.
In 1999 she moved to Vancouver, Washington, and worked for the Portland Boys and Girls Aid Society and the Lines for Life Crisis Line.
Ann always had a special bond with her also artistic sister, Patti Lalande of Aspen. It was their dream to go to Paris and study the great artists. In 2014 they toured the art museums, saw the Mona Lisa, had coffee and sketched at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, rode down the Seine River on a boat at night enjoying the beauty of Paris. A lifelong dream come true.
Ann is survived by her son, John Seth Slonecker of Vancouver, Washington; her daughter, Crystal Anne Slonecker of Los Angeles, California; siblings Mary Carlson of McMinnville; Patricia (Joe) Lalande of Aspen, Colorado; Deborah (Pat) McIntrye of Poulsbo, Washington; Janet (Victor) Strickland of Bandon, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her father and mother, and her brother James Sweetnam.
In 1974 Ann found and joined a world-wide Christian Fellowship and has remained faithful to her choice until her death.
A memorial service will be held Saturday July 27 at the Manor Grange of Vancouver, 17901 NE 72nd Ave, Battleground, WA. 98604 at 10am
Following will be a family interment service at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in McMinnville, Oregon.