LaRea Slater

LaRea Lawvere Slater, 78, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on May 8, 2025. Born on March 24, 1947, to Francis W. Lawvere and Delight (Moorman) Lawvere, LaRea lived a life filled with purpose, creativity, and love.

Affectionately known as "Carol Burnett" during her senior year at Jefferson High School, LaRea graduated in 1965, earning the title of "Funniest" in her class-a reflection of the vibrant humor and joyful spirit she carried throughout her life. She pursued her love for education and the arts at Ball State University, where she completed her bachelor's degree in education in just three years.

LaRea married the love of her life, James P. Slater, on June 7, 1969. Together, they spent many years filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose, and after his passing, LaRea carried on with unwavering strength and grace.

LaRea began her teaching career at Franklin Middle School as an English teacher and later inspired countless students through her drama classes at Franklin Community College. She continued her journey in education at Shelbyville Middle School, where she taught for many years and retired after an extraordinary 34-year career, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

After retiring, LaRea and her husband Jim returned to the family farm along the Mississinewa River, where she remained deeply engaged in the life of her community. Her passion for storytelling and communication extended beyond the classroom-she wrote for the Upland Courier, contributed to National Public Radio, and was a trusted voice in civic life.

LaRea's love of the arts and service to others shone brightly through her involvement with the Marion Philharmonic, the Marion Rotary Club, and the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. She was a dedicated member of Matthews Methodist Church and a tireless advocate for local green spaces, helping to establish the Upland Greenway and Jefferson Township Park. One of her most cherished legacies is the vibrant mural and green space in Matthews-a project she helped bring to life, reflecting her devotion to beauty, history, and community spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James P. Slater; her parents, Francis W. Lawvere and Delight (Moorman) Lawvere; her brothers, F. William Lawvere and Albert Lawvere; a sister-in-law, Sybil Lawvere; and two nephews, Robin Lawvere and Nevin Lawvere.

LaRea is survived by her brother Jon (Karen Ewing) Lawvere Upland, IN.; sisters-in-law Fatima Lawvere Buffalo, NY, Gabriele Lawvere Upland, IN, Linda Zinser, IN, and Sandi Cooper, FL; brother-in-law Jack Slater, FL; nephews Nick Lawvere Upland, IN, Liell (Kimberly) Lawvere Upland, IN, Stephen Bartels, Birdseye, IN; David Cooper, Mike Cooper,Jerry Cooper, Danilo (Lori) Lawvere Buffalo NY, John Lawvere AZ, Philip R. Lawvere, Greece; Marco Constant Fenaroli, Columbia; nieces LaRhonda Lawvere Upland, IN and Silvana (Adrian) Moreno, North Carolina; and several beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. A special thanks goes to Brenda Worrick, a special friend and caregiver.

Her legacy is one of creativity, compassion, service, and a deep belief in the power of education, faith, nature, and the arts.

A celebration of LaRea's life will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, with Pastor Wes Rediger leading the service. A time of visitation will be held before the service from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in the Matthews Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to come together to share memories and honor the beautiful life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epworth Church of Matthews, 105 West 8th Street, Matthews, Indiana 46957.