Maryann Sluhan

Maryann Benes Sluhan was born on August 10, 1945 to proud parents Jerry and Betty Benes. Shortly after, she was joined by a baby brother Lawrence Benes. She possessed a special spark, and an adventuresome spirit that touched all who knew her. It was fearless will and zest for life that took her around the world, far from her beginnings in Flint, Michigan. Despite a battle with polio as a young girl she carried on to complete a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Ashland College, contributing to the creation of the schools European exchange program along the way. Immediately upon graduation, she headed to Washington to pursue her life long political passions. She worked in several high level positions, culminating in the coordination of President Richard Nixon’s Inaugural, and the honor of becoming personal receptionist to Vice-President Spiro T. Agnew. Her bubbly personality and steadfast character served her well. It was in the Vice-Presidents office that she met her life long love and partner, Elliott D. Sluhan. After their marriage on March 5, 1973, in Historic Williamsburg, Virginia, they began a new life together in Toledo, Ohio. Elliott pursued his career in advertising as their young family grew. First daughter Sara was born in 1974, followed by bicentennial boy John. The house was always a home filled with daily celebration. Maryann and Elliott took special pride in mentoring a progression of extraordinary young men. Over the years, Tom Wagner, Larry Johnson, Butch Funka, Paul and Brad Clark, Mike Koszycki, and Dan Jaurez offered exceptional service and life-long friendship. Elliott had long nurtured a dream to document the history of presidential flight on film. His collective talents combined with Maryann’s loving support, and Washington connections, led to the creation of “AirForce One: The Planes and the Presidents.” The documentary opened to acclaim at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in 1984. It was the culmination of a decade of ground breaking interviews, fascinating research and travel and lasting friendships, including former American Presidents, dignitaries and countless members of the dedicated and patriotic White House and Air Force One staff. Maryann and Elliott spent many happy years together, filled with service to community, family and their faith in God. They enjoyed their grandsons, Daniel and Stephen Elliott Baer, until Elliott’s death on Feb 25, 2008. She continued to fill the world with her special brand of class, enthusiasm and strong willed self reliance until her death at home on Saturday Feb. 25. Maryann is survived by her beloved son John E. Sluhan. Her daughter Sara Baer. Son in Law David L. Baer. Grandsons Daniel L. Baer and Stephen E. Baer. Brother Lawrence D. Benes( Stacie Bonfields). Sister in Law Sally S Wright ( Joe H Wright ) and their children Jessye R Wright ( Larry Adams) and Aaron W Wright. Brother in Law William A Sluhan ( Carol Sluhan) and their children Cpt. Diana M Sluhan, Anne E Sluhan, Elliot J Baggs and Adam B Baggs. Friends will be received from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St. in Perrysburg (419-874-3133). A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 2, 2012 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 112 E. Wayne Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537 followed by burial at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery in Perrysburg. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Broadway Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537 or The Ronald Reagan Library, c/o The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, California 93065.