Mavis was born January 10, 1928 and grew up at Portage Lake just outside the small town of Deerwood, MN. Her childhood was filled with many happy days fishing, swimming, picking raspberries, and weeding the garden.  She always said that growing up without running water, an indoor bathroom, or electricity made her a stronger person, and she appreciated everything more.  She called herself "a tough Swede".  She attended a one room schoolhouse through the 8th grade and then on to Crosby Ironton High School, graduating in 1946.

Upon graduation, she and her twin sister Marvel moved to the big city, St. Paul, to find work.  Their first job was working at Montgomery Ward, Mavis working in the farm department. She then went to work for Consolidated Printing Ink where her future brother-in-law, Billy, introduced her to the love of her life, Bob.  After a brief courtship, Bob served in the army in the Korean war.  Upon his arrival back home ("without a scratch") they wed on October 25, 1952.  Gary was born in 1955 and Mary was born two years later making their family complete.

After being a stay-at-home Mom, Mavis worked for school district 197 as a lunch lady (nicknamed "Little Chief") so she could spend the summers with her children.  Once the children were older, she returned to work at Consolidated Printing Ink for many years.

After retirement, she and Bob loved to travel.  Their trips included Nashville, Philadelphia, Hawaii (25th and 50th wedding anniversaries) Canada, Graceland in Mississippi, Niagara Falls, Iowa, California.  The highlight was spending the month of March in Gulf Shores Alabama for many years with friends.  And always there was much beloved time spent at Portage Lake.

Mavis' faith shaped the way she loved and lived her life.  A kind smile and warm hug were gifts she shared with everyone she met.  She was a faithful Baptist her whole life.  She attended First Baptist Church of St. Paul for over 70 years.   She taught Sunday School, attended Bible study and was a very active member of the Merry Marthas group.  Her favorite saying was "God Is Good" while pointing upward.  She was currently attending Bible Study Fellowship with Mary. She deeply loved our Lord, her family, friends and neighbors.

She recently celebrated her 98th birthday at Mancini's with family and friends.

Mavis passed away on Monday February 2, 2026.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, twin sister Marvel and Wayne Murphey, brother Lawrence Sloan, sister Shirley and Jim Herington, parents William and Myrtle Sloan.

She is survived by her children Gary, Mary and Tom Doran, step granddaughter Ariel, sister-in-law Rose Ksiazek and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held February 14 2026, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of St Paul, 499 Wacouta St, St. Paul.  Visitation 1 hour before service.

Relatives and friends are invited to a luncheon following the service at DeGidio's Restaurant, 425 7th St West, St Paul.

Family Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to First Baptist Church of St Paul, or Our Lady of Peace Hospice 2076 St Anthony Ave, St Paul.