When everything happened at once – and during a pandemic – the Slutz children, Jen, Ben and Valerie, faced it all together.

Terry and Raberta Slutz were faithful, kind and caring, and they lived life with generous hearts. Their daughter, Jen, described her mom as a member of the “pot pie generation.” Raberta always put others first, writing cards and delivering meals. The entire Slutz family strives to make a positive impact for others.

The past few years brought health difficulties for them, though. Terry battled Alzheimer’s, which led to visits from Aultman Hospice. Sadly, Terry contracted COVID and passed away in February 2021.

At the same time, Raberta battled cancer. Val moved in with her mom to provide care, and Ben and Jen gave support as they rallied together. In August 2021, reaching the end of treatment options, Raberta entered Aultman’s home hospice care. She received respite care twice at Aultman’s Compassionate Care Center, then spent her final days there. She passed away in January 2022.

The siblings spent quality time with their mom at the Compassionate Care Center, and they credited her caregivers – including Michelle, Beata and Dorothy – for not only caring for their mom, but also for the whole family.

“These caregivers do more than care; they have such big hearts. They knew all the tricks of the trade for comfort and partnered with us to care for our parents. We can never thank the Aultman Hospice team enough for helping all of us through this time,” Jen said.

Raberta gave her family members strict instructions to provide direct support for the incredible team at the Compassionate Care Center. Her three children followed up on their promise and gave a generous gift to Aultman Hospice. They also donated care items for other patients and their families.

The legacy of giving and caring, instilled by Terry and Raberta, lives on with the next generation of the Slutz family.