On July 16, 1952, Vicki Diane Clark was born, the daughter of Lawrence Jr. and Mildred Clark. She was the youngest of their six children. Vicki grew up riding horses, milking cows, and hauling hay.
Vicki’s passion has always been children, her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Church has always been important, even before becoming “the pastor’s wife.” Her ministry in church was focused on children – children’s choir director, teaching Sunday school, vacation bible school and working with youth groups.
Her calling was intercessory prayer. She prayed with people and for people. She talked about Jesus to anyone who was important to her, including those serving in restaurants. And she would quote scripture. She often quoted 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth.”
Her career was Early Childhood Education – working mostly with Head Start Programs. She worked for NEK-CAP, SEK-CAP and as a consultant for Dayna International. Regardless of the job or project she was working on, the intent was to provide an environment where children could have the courage and confidence to be themselves while respecting others.
Vicki lived in the house she was born in until she married the love of her life, Bob Whitaker. During the 53 years of marriage, they lived in 20 different houses, home is truly where the heart is. And her heart was given to Jesus, to her family and friends, to the church, and to Head Start. So, wherever she was, she was at home.
Vicki enjoyed life, from a tree swing and tin barn roof for a slipper slide to holding great grandkids while in a wheelchair. Vicki lived. Vicki worked. Vicki played, even gaining the name “the grandma who plays.” But most of all Vicki loved.
She walked with Jesus daily and on September 18, 2022, they were closer to His house. So, she went home with Jesus. Praise God, there is victory in Jesus. And now through faith in Jesus, she is in that blissful place of perfect love, home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her three siblings: Joan Buttler, Phillip Clark and Charles Clark.
Vicki is survived by her husband Bob, of the home; her daughters, Julie (Larry) Myers, of Manhattan, and Amber (Konrad) Coe, of Soldier, KS; also her grandchildren: Leah Windmeyer, of Kansas City, KS, Brett (Ela) Roes, of Rapid City, SD, Rachelle (Aaron) Bean, of Waldo, KS, Kelsey (Derrick) Allen, of Soldier, KS, Lance Coe, of Soldier, KS; five great-grandkids: Bastian Reynolds-Roes, Braely Roes, Theodore “Theo” Bean, Dane Allen, and Judson “Judd” Bean; and also her siblings, Carole (Don) Haun, of Fall River, KS and Bill (Karen) Clark, of Fredonia, KS.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday September 23, 2022 at the College Avenue United Methodist Church, 1609 College Avenue in Manhattan, with Rev. Kay Scarbrough officiating. Private Inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions in memory of Vicki to the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc. in Manhattan. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.