Surnames: Vick, Brecht, Stubbe, Wells, Lakey, Wiley

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wisconsin) Friday, 6 Feb. 2009

Vick, Carol Jean (28 July 1943 - 4 Feb. 2009)

MABTON, Wash. -- Carol Jean Vick of Mabton passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 4, 2009.

Carol was born July 28, 1943, in Greenwood, Wis., to parents Mabel and Herman Brecht. She had three brothers and she received her education in Loyal, Wis. On March 5, 1960, Carol married Eugene "Tiny" Vick. Over the next four years, Carol gave birth to son Larry and daughter Linda. The family moved from Wisconsin to South Dakota and then to Manhattan, Montana and it was there that Carol and Tiny planted their feet and raised their family.

While in Manhattan, Mom was an active member of the community. People knew they could call on her for help. Whether it was chaperoning a busload of kids at music festival or sewing the big Bicentennial Banner for the town, Mom was a visible and positive person in the community. In 1986, Mom and Dad sadly moved away from Manhattan for job reasons. They left many dear friends, but took wonderful memories with them. After a short stay in Texas and also one in Ohio, they moved to the Sunnyside/Mabton area and have lived here since 1992.

Mom held many job titles over the years. She was a very hard-worker and excelled in whatever she did. Waitress/bartender, dog groomer, seamstress, supervisor, real estate agent and manufactured housing sales assoc were just a few of her job titles. Mom also ran the "Lady Bug Craft and Produce Shop" from her home in Mabton during the 1990s and early 2000s. Many of this community's "Headstart" children got to come out and meet "Mrs. Ladybug" and tour her farm and meet her animals. Mom thrived in this role. She really loved kids and animals and they adored her.

Mom loved the outdoors. She was a camper, hunter, fisherman and a superb gardener. Mom canned everything she grew. When people saw Mom's cold storage room in Montana, they would nearly faint. We could have fed half the town! But Mom often did feed half the town because she was also a culinary genius and people never said no to a offer to have a meal with us. No one was a stranger to Mom -- "if you're going to invite a few over, you might just as well invite them all".

My Mom was a loving wife and a wonderful mother. She was always a calm, steady and loving force in my life! Mom had high morals and stood for what she believed was right. There was no problem too big for her -- she always said "It's going to be alright."

Mom fought a valiant fight with cancer for nearly 21/2 years. She never complained about the harsh chemo or the radiation treatments. Mom's determination to beat the cancer was unfailing. Mom knew we needed her, she was our "glue," our heart and the center of our family. We thank you Mom, for your courageous fight to live for us. Mom, you are already so dearly missed, it seems hard to breathe at times.

Carol is survived by her husband, Eugene "Tiny" Vick, her daughter, Linda Vick, her brother, Wayne (Jane) Brecht, several nephews and nieces and her "#1" Sister-in-law, Sis (Judy) and many other loving in-laws. Mom is also survived by her "adopted" families the Lakeys (Gary and Rox) and the Wileys (Pat and Fred), plus many dear friends in the community and around the country. Lastly, Mom is survived by several "Furry" companions who loved her as "Momma" or "Grandma". There is sadness in their eyes for they know they lost a precious friend. Carol is preceded in death by her son, Larry, her parents and two brothers, along with numerous aunts, uncles, etc.

The family would like to say "Thank-You" to Dr. Jorgenson, Dr. "O", Dr. Von Stubbe, Linda Wells and all the wonderful nurses, staff and volunteers at North Star Lodge who never gave up on Mom! Thank you all for your positive presence.

"Yes my life is better left to chance, I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance."

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, Wash. Those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to the donor's choice.

Those wishing to share their memories or sign Carol's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.