Jaunita Bernadine Slocum, 89, of Topeka, KS formerly of Holton, passed away October 17, 2011 in Topeka. She was born August 31, 1922 in Holton the daughter of Arthur William and Josephine Ida (White) Miller.

Jaunita had lived in Holton most of her life, DeSoto for 37 years and Topeka for the last 7 years. She worked as a cook at South Holton Café for 13 years and was a homemaker all of her life. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Holton and a 50 year member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #1367.

Jaunita married Neal Slocum on July 18, 1939 in Holton. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2004. She was also preceded in death by two infant sons, Arthur and Fredrick Slocum in 1940, a son, Lloyd Slocum on March 18, 1996, a granddaughter, Sheila Carpenter and a great-granddaughter, Brianna Clark.

Survivors include two daughters, LaWanna Krestine and husband Larry of Otis, KS and Cheryl Zimmerman and husband Duane of Topeka, KS; six grandchildren, Kathy Groth, Lonnie Morris, Julie Kincaid, Ryan Clark, and Larry Zimmerman and Tammi Zimmerman and many great- grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends Sunday from 2-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Jaunita will lie in state beginning Friday morning. Interment will be in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Shawnee/Jefferson County Meals on Wheels or V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #1367 c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.