With her loving family at her side, Vicki Lea Korkow peacefully passed away on July 17, 2023, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming. She was 71 years old.
Born August 29, 1951, to Robert and Mary Lou Korkow, Vicki grew up on her family ranch north of Hanna, Wyoming, where she loved to work in the hayfield, fix fence, and ride horses. In her youth, Vicki was an active student at Hanna High School, participating in cheerleading, Future Homemakers of America, National Honor Society, Booster Club, speech, choir, and other student activities. She graduated in 1969 and remained a steadfast friend to many of her schoolmates.
Vicki valued ranch life and instilled a lifelong love for animals and the outdoors in her three children, Rick, Jake, and Melissa. She will be remembered as an affectionate mother, and her children will forever cherish their camping trips with her in the Shirley Mountains. Not only did Vicki dote on her children, but she also loved and treated her children’s friends as her own and adored her many nieces and nephews.
Throughout her life, Vicki was passionate about writing and penned countless poems, letters, and stories, several reflecting her family and life on the ranch. She also enjoyed rock hunting, watching westerns, listening to country music, visiting Thermopolis, and swimming. Vicki especially treasured her time spent with her grandchildren and talking with her dear friends on the phone. Christmas Eve was one of Vicki’s favorite celebrations. For the last several years, she hosted the holiday for her children and their families, serving traditional oyster stew and Tom and Jerrys and sharing the evening with those she loved most.
A self-described country girl, Vicki enjoyed all aspects of agriculture. She partook in 4H as a youngster and later supported her children as they competed at the Carbon County and Wyoming State Fairs. Watching rodeo and reading stories about Western traditions were some of her most entertaining pastimes.
Vicki worked in a number of fields, but her various careers in education were her favorite and most rewarding. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wyoming and loved working with children. She taught and counseled all age groups and inspired her students to be kind and work hard, two traits Vicki exemplified.
Vicki is predeceased by her beloved grandparents, Belfield and Elizabeth Young; parents, Robert and Mary Lou Korkow; sister, Debbie Axtell; and nieces, Kelly Black and Lindsey Korkow. She is survived and deeply missed by her three children, Rick Jones (Sarah), Jake Jones (Staci), and Melissa Proffitt (Aaron); grandchildren, Landon Jones (Rick), Dalton (Heidi), Chandler, and Ian Jones (Jake), and Kyler Proffitt (Melissa); siblings, Vonnie Romano (Gene), Valerie Black (Richard), Robert Korkow, Jr. (Kim), Larry Korkow, and Burt Korkow (Tammy); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the Hanna High School, followed by a luncheon. Inurnment will take place following the luncheon at the Korkow Ranch.
Vicki was such a gentle and caring person; always so kind with her words and actions. As you remember her love of family, friends, and life, know that we are thinking of you during this sad time.
So many memories growing up with the Korkow family...like an extension of my own family. I am so sorry for your loss but know that Vicki is loved by many and has left the world a better place. Love you all! Jerod and the entire Eastman family.
Vicki was the most loving and kind person I’ve ever known. My sympathy goes out to her family
With Deepest Sympathy to Vicki’s whole family. A living soul like hers will be missed and mourned by all who knew her. Vicki was a dear friend from the time we shared when we were in 4-H. May you bask in her love. With sincere sympathy Mike & Kathy Moon
We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to the families. Vicki was such a kind loving person. So very easy to be around. She always made you feel like family. Our memories or her will keep her close to our hearts. Love Jay and Cecilia Linder
We are so sorry for your loss. You’ve truly lost a beautiful person. I’m Are prayers and love is with you all. We are thinking of you all.
From The Shurter Family..We are so sorry..We have all known Vicki all of our lives through Generations. She has the kindest soul and a beautiful heart ..she will always be missed...but sh is still alive in all the memories we have of her!! Rest in the arms of God.
Our sincere condolences to the Korkow family. Mike and Sue Johnson
So sorry for not only your loss but for the loss of a Wonderful Human Being that brought happiness to whoever she was around, She was a great schoolmate and Wonderful Freind, Rest in Peace Vicky we'll meet again.
Condolences to all the families of Vicki. As was the case with all the Korkow girls, Vicki always had great empathy and compassion for those around her. Sorry for your loss; she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Randy Shipman