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.
1 comment:
My family all attended Paradise, KS schools, first Karen, followed by Johnsndd Elain, both of whom graduated high school ther. Larry well myself (Lucille) and Velma. St the end of Velma’s 7th grade, the family moved away. Vickie and Velma were classmates through that time. Many years passed. Velma and I , somewhat like Thelma and Louise made a road trip, the ultimate event in mind was the every two year reunion of Paradise attendees. During that time Vickie and Velma became fast friends. It was so special. Vickie learned of a talent had, writing verses about her faith. She shared them with Vickie. Dear Vickie said she shone published. Mid to late Feb2023 I phoned Vickie to let her Velma was near the end. Vickie went to great lengths with a friend to compile those writings of Velma . She fed-exes the books to the nursing home. Monday the 27th a friend helped me open the box. Inside was a beautiful cover letter from Vickie. Velma was in her last hours, but I read the letter to her and showed the books to her. Vickie did such a beautiful thing to go to so much effort. Vickie will live in my heart forever. My condolences to Jim and all her family. Lucy Ormsby
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