Ruby "Eileen" Slover

Ruby “Eileen” Slover, 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Salem Township Hospital on December 27, 2025.

She was born June 1, 1925 in Orchard Township the daughter of John Kell and Vera (Silvey) Henson. She married her prince charming, Forrest Slover on July 29, 1944 in Fort Riley, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 28, 2000.

Forrest and Eileen were married for 56 years residing in Centralia, IL for many of them. Eileen worked for two separate sewing factories, Four Sisters Sewing Factory in Flora and also Centralia Apparel. Later, she worked for Straith’s Jewelry in Centralia. They retired to Iuka, IL where Eileen enjoyed keeping busy. She wrote a column for The Poplar Creek News for the Wayne County Press for 18 years that included memories, stories and community events. Eileen would also care for the flower beds at the depot in downtown Iuka well into her 90s.

Eileen came from a lineage of intelligent, determined women and she took much pride in sharing stories from her childhood. Her love of writing was passed down from her mother, Vera and for that she was very proud. She could memorize poems and songs and would often recite them for any crowd she found herself a part of.

Her mother, Vera lived to be 99 years and 3 months. Eileen was a determined woman and decided that she would have a longer lifespan than her mother. She exceeded that goal by living an amazing 100.5 years! She was honored to be the matriarch of 5 generations. Forrest and Eileen were the proud parents of one daughter, Sandra “Sandy” Lou (Slover) Reese. Eileen’s family will remember her knack of making every family gathering special through planning games, scavenger hunts and capturing every beautiful moment she created on camera or video. She would often be lovingly referred to as the “camera lady,” recording many memories that will be cherished throughout generations to come.

Eileen was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints-Poplar Creek Branch and dedicated her life to serving faithfully in the church. Spreading the love of Christ through her own writings, poems and songs lovingly played by her on guitar or piano. Her talents were truly too vast to adequately describe. Her love touched the lives of all who encountered her and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors that will remember Eileen’s strength and determination include her beloved family. Her daughter, Sandra Lou (Slover) Reese and husband Tom of Iuka, IL who lovingly cared for Eileen allowing her to live independently at home until her passing. Other survivors include grandson, Dusty (Patty) Fatheree of Xenia, IL; granddaughter, Kim (Steve) Burroughs of Iuka, IL; great-grandchildren, Erica (Cole) Wiehle of Iuka, IL, Dustyn (Kailey) Fatheree of Sullivan, IL and Ashton (Bryan) Smith of Iuka, IL; great-great grandchildren, Evanelle Wiehle, Bryer and Hayven Smith, Lincoln Fatheree and one more on the way. She is also survived by a loving brother-in-law, Doris (Patsy) Slover of Fairfield, IL and a sister-in-law Margaret Henson of Chicago, IL and many cherished nieces and nephews who brought her an exponential amount of joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 5 siblings.

The visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, from 10-11:30 am at Hosselton Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL. Funeral Services will follow at 12 pm with Dave McArthur officiating. Burial will be held at Poplar Creek Cemetery.

Memorials can be made in Eileen’s honor to the Iuka Fire Protection District in Iuka, IL.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.