Jean Slattery Root, age 63, of Richmond, died at her home on Saturday (August 11, 2012). Jean was born in Richmond on September 21, 1948 to Frank and Opal Bonn Slattery, who preceded her in death. Jean attended Saint Mary School and Hibberd Junior High School and graduated from Richmond High School in 1966. After high school she was involved with Richmond Civic Theatre and she worked for Dr. Edward Plasterer for several years---a job for which she had many fond memories. She married Tom Root of Hagerstown in 1976. After 32 years of marriage, Tom passed away in 2008. Jean's two older brothers, Jim Slattery of LaGrange and John Slattery of Dayton, Ohio, also preceded her in death. In addition to the stacks of novels and mysteries she read voraciously, Jean was an avid crocheter, an excellent cook, and lover of animals, especially cats. She had deep pride in her Irish heritage and a fierce love of family, particularly each new baby. She has even crocheted blankets for future family babies. Survivors include her older sister - Ann (Tony) Germano of South Bend, Indiana; nieces and nephews - Gina Germano Christiana of Mishawake, David Germano of Charlottesville, Virginia, Jeff Slattery of Elkhart, Indiana, Michelle Slattery of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Karen Germano of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Beth Slattery of Seattle, Washington, Jim Slattery of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Stephen Slattery of Dayton, Ohio, Michael Slattery of Washington, D.C., twelve great nieces and nephews, special godchildren - Terry Love, Sarah Love Scholl, and many friends. She will also be missed by her beloved cat, Willow. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday (August 18, 2012) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Burial will be in Saint Mary Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday (August 18, 2012) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Help the Animals, 2101 West Main Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374 or to AseraCare Hospice, 447 Garwood Place, Richmond, Indiana 47374. www.riggle-waltermann.com