Biography
Willard E. Slater (1904 – 1972)
Willard E. Slater was born in West-Central Michigan. He was one of six children and graduated high school at the age of 16. Willard was married to Luella at the age of 18. He was a student-athlete, eventually pitching for the University of Michigan. Willard, known as Duke, received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan. He be-came a CPA, and eventually he became a partner with the Big Eight firm of Ernst & Ernst in Detroit. His specialty was the “new” area of data processing and computers. Duke loved sports, especially cards, golf and fishing. He loved Florida, too and retired there in the early 60s. He golfed, fished and invested in the stock market, until his death.

Luella A. Slater (1901- 2002)
Luella A. Slater was also born in rural West-Central Michigan. Her father died when she was young, and her mother re-married. Although Luella was very smart, she never attended college. She met Willard, when she was young and they at-tended school together in a one-room schoolhouse. Luella and Willard married in 1922. She and Willard had two children, Joann and Willard Jr. Luella had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to entertain. She was known by her family for her generosity and for her oatmeal and chocolate-chip cookies. Luella also loved Florida and shared Duke’s love of cards and golf.

Recipients
2007 Lesley Noyes
2008 Lesley Noyes
2010 Brad Bullock
2011 Christopher Varnson
2012 Brooks Macbeth
2013 Katherine Varnson
2014 Mary Bond
2015 Grayson Bell
2017 Payton Goff
2018 Rebecca Ann Bonner