Vicky (Elliott) McDowell (Class 65)

 

Vicki Louise McDowell, 77, of Lucas, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025. She was born December 4, 1947, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Arvis and Christina ‘Louise’ (Corwin) Elliott.

Vicki grew up on a farm near Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Paradise Rural High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University, a degree that fueled a lifelong passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Her first teaching job took her to an Indian reservation in South Dakota, where she immersed herself in a new community and shared her gift for education.

On November 12, 1969, Vicki married the love of her life, Jim McDowell. Together, they built a life full of love and partnership. Vicki continued her teaching career in Smith Center and Gaylord before moving to Sylvan Grove in 1980. She taught in Sylvan Grove until her retirement, leaving an indelible mark on countless students throughout her decades-long career. She had a unique ability to connect with every child, making each one feel seen, valued, and capable.

Although Vicki never had children of her own, she was the beautiful and irreplaceable glue that held her family together. Her love for her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews was boundless and unconditional. She loved and cherished each of them as her own, filling their lives with warmth, guidance, and unwavering support. Her family will forever remember her as a cornerstone of love, strength, and joy.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Arvis and Louise Elliott. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim McDowell; her siblings, Dwight Elliott (Owassa, OK), Paul Elliott (Dodge City, KS), and Arlene Morgan (Wichita, KS); and a large, adoring family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A celebration of Vicki’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Lucas Community Church in Lucas, Kansas. Family will greet guests from 9:30 A.M. to service time the day of the service at the church.  The family will have a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, August 22nd, at the Mount Herman Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Lucas Community Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Robert Thacker

 

Robert Aaron Thacker, (Bob) 73, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Robert was born on January 30, 1952, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Ethel (Reichard) Thacker. He grew up in Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Luray High School in the class of 1970. He was united in marriage to Janet Lynn Baral on April 19, 1971, in Hays, Kansas. Together, they were blessed with three children—son Schon and twin daughters Tavi and Chastity. Over the years, the family lived in the Texas Panhandle and Lawrence, Kansas, before settling back in Russell. Janet preceded him in death on December 19, 2009. Robert found love a second time and married Donna Harmon on September 23, 2010.

Born a farm boy, Robert carried those roots of grit and determination into his adult life. He built a long career as a highly respected and sought-after truck driver, working both in the oilfield and over the road. Known for his intelligence, intuition, and steady hand behind the wheel, he earned admiration from everyone who worked alongside him. Robert loved Bud Light, the Kansas City Chiefs, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, shooting guns, music, (especially hearing his son Schon play guitar), and most importantly his FAMILY! He was witty and quick with a comeback, never met a stranger, and had a gift with words. A master storyteller, he could spin a tale so vivid you felt like you were right there with him. When words weren’t spoken, he often put pen to paper, writing poetry that revealed the depth of his heart. His stories, his humor, and his way with words will forever be remembered by those who loved him.

Surviving family include his wife Donna, of Russell, Kansas; son Schon Thacker and wife Mandi of Overland Park, Kansas; twin daughters Tavi Collins and husband Jason of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Chastity Thacker and significant other Dustin Stiles of Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law Linda Harmon Gibbs of Russell, Kansas; and seven grandchildren: Kavion, Kerriana, Abrielle, Elijah, Bailee, Chevelle, and Aaron.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Janet, his parents and two sisters, Lona Weger and Gloria Becker.

In true Thacker fashion, Robert worked hard, loved fiercely, and always managed to have the last word!

Cremation has been selected by the family. A visitation to celebrate Bob’s life will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Family will greet guests from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday evening at the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

There will be a celebration of life on Sept 27th with details to come via his family!!