Patricia Elizabeth Slezak
St. George, UT

Heaven received Patricia "Patti" Elizabeth Slezak, age 72, of St. George on January 24, 2014, after she suffered complications associated with interstitial pulmonary disease. Surrounded by her loving family, Patti left this world peacefully, as beautifully, and as gracefully as she lived her life. Born on December 27, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, MO, Patti was the second child of Ovid Nathan Hunter and Margaret Lucille (Kelly) Hunter. She graduated from St. Joseph's Jr. College, Springfield, Illinois.

After graduation, Patti embarked on a professional modeling and an acting career, which included appearing in TV commercials and hosting her own TV program. She was named Miss St. Louis Cardinal. She chose to leave a career in the spotlight to start a family. Patti worked in a variety of fields, such as life insurance, marketing, and real estate. In addition, Patti passionately served the Utah Heart Association, where she worked for many years. Patti enjoyed playing golf, tennis, racquetball, and horseback riding. She also enjoyed music and dancing, especially with the Mariachi's in Mexico.

In 1962, Patti married Joseph Wallace Morton, Sr. The couple had two children, Joe and Tracy, and later divorced, leaving Patti to raise her two children single handedly. Life as a single mother was not easy; however, Patti persevered, overcoming great obstacles with her characteristic grace, charm, determination, and sense of humor. Regardless of what life threw her way, Patti remained kind, warm, and loving. Nothing could harden her heart. She devoted herself to her children and was intent on parenting them well, loving them unconditionally, keeping them safe, and providing them with a sense of security, all of which she accomplished. After years of personal struggle, Patti met and married the absolute love of her life, Dr. Roy M. Slezak, on June 27, 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Patti and Roy embraced each other's children, bringing healing to wounded hearts, restoration of relationships, and a tremendous sense of unity, all of which exemplify Patti's love of and devotion to her family. 

Patti is preceded in death by her parents, Ovid Nathan Hunter and Margaret Lucille (Kelly) Hunter and is survived by her loving husband, Roy M. Slezak; her siblings, Michael Nathan Hunter, John Mack Hunter, and Catherine SueAnne (Hunter) Vlamakis; her seven children, Joseph Wallace Morton, Jr., Tracy Elizabeth (Morton) Beatty, Karen Christensen, Patricia Slezak, Jeffrey Slezak, John Slezak, and Charles Slezak; her sixteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. 

Patricia "Patti" Slezak leaves a legacy of unassuming beauty, love, kindness, and acceptance. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who were blessed to have known her. A Celebration of Patti's Life was held on March 1, 2014. at the Bloomington Country Club, St. George, Utah. Charitable donations honoring Patti may be made to the foundation at Dixie Regional Medical Center.