Loma J. Vickrey

Loma J. Vickrey, age 77, longtime resident of Louisburg, KS, passed away peacefully at her home last Thursday evening, April 29, 2010. Memorial Services will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Penwell " Gabel Louisburg Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday evening, May 6, from 5 to 7:00 p.m., at the chapel. Loma was born August 11, 1932 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Dorothy and Russell Rhodes. She attended school in Kansas City and graduated from West Port High school in 1949. She married Wendell Vickrey in 1954, moved to live on an 80 acre farm north of Louisburg, and began raising cattle and ran an innovative poultry operation. Loma sold eggs at the farm and also had a delivery route through the Metro area. For 54 years, she lived and loved working on the family farms and cattle operation in Miami and Linn Counties. For the last 25 years, she used her talent in the crafting business with her store, Country Collectibles, in Stillwell, KS. She was always known and loved by customers and fellow crafters as the "Beanie Baby Lady". Her craft business gave her the opportunity to always help children and those in need. She also founded Cool Cats in Louisburg. She had a passion for homeless cats and dogs, providing food and shelter. She always helped wildlife on the family farms and anywhere she would travel. Loma was preceded in death by her husband, Wendall; two older brothers, Bill Rhodes and Bob Rhodes; her mother, Dorothy Shumate; and her father, Russell Rhodes. Immediate survivors include sister-in-law, Donna Rhodes; two sons, Michael Conley and Jene Vickrey and his wife Teresa; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Jason, Jacob, Jasmine, Joshua and Johanna; and great-grand children, Brody and Emma. Loma will be remembered as a loving and giving companion, mother, grandmother and a faithful and loyal friend, generous to all. Family asks that memorials be given to the Louisburg Senior Citizens Center. To send a message to the family or view a video of Loma"s life please visit www.PenwellGabelLouisburg.com