Vickie Lea Flemister

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Vickie Flemister, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on January 21, 1947, in Kansas City, MO, and passed away on May 2, 2024, at the Brookdale Memory Care Facility in Fort Collins, CO, with her family by her side.

Vickie attended the Yuma Lutheran School through the third grade before transferring to the Yuma Public School, where she graduated from Yuma High School with the Class of 1964. She then attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, before pursuing training in Kansas City to become an airline flight attendant. Vickie was set to start her career as a flight attendant, but life took her on a different journey when she married Carroll Flemister, who had recently returned from Vietnam. The two were married on October 3, 1970, and were inseparable. They built a beautiful life together, raising their two children, son Eric and daughter Tanya. Carroll and Vickie’s partnership spanned more than 53 years, a testament to their enduring love and commitment to each other and their family.

Vickie grew up on a ranch south of Yuma, where her deep love for animals and the land began to flourish. Her love for animals was legendary, stemming from her grandfather, Dr. Harry W. Graham, the only veterinarian in Yuma and the surrounding area for many years. Vickie was known for her gentle touch with baby calves and her compassion for all creatures, great and small. Some of her fondest memories growing up was the time she spent with her horses.

Vickie was the first secretary for the TV cable company that arrived in Yuma in 1969. She remarked that some people said, they would not pay $5 for cable and preferred to watch the Sterling and Goodland TV stations with their antennas, which would go off the air at 11 p.m. Later, she became the secretary for the State Farm Insurance office owned by Irvin and Leora Mekelburg. Eventually becoming the office manager for Hoch Real Estate and the secretary for Ingalls Insurance and Yuma County Economic Development. Vickie’s dedication to her work and her family was unwavering. She retired alongside her husband in 2002 when he stepped down as City Manager of Yuma.

However, retirement did not slow Vickie down. She continued to work on the ranch alongside her husband and remained a vital presence in her community and church. A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, Vickie's creative spirit found expression in the beautiful seasonal decorations she crafted for the church. She served as an Elder for many years and on numerous church committees. Vickie became the go-to person in Yuma for elaborate costumes, whether for community, church, or school events. She had an eye for detail and the patience to create intricate costumes for entire casts, often sewing 50 or more outfits at a time.

Carroll served with the Yuma Volunteer Fire Department, while Vickie was an active member of the women's fire racing team that competed at the State Fireman's Racing Competition every June. Vickie cherished the competition and camaraderie of the racing team, where she forged many lifelong friendships.

Vickie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Cora Graham; her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Graham; her uncles Paul Keller, George Keller, and Bernard Keller; her aunt Rosemary Couch; her father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred and Lillie Flemister; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Delford and Billie Flemister; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bernard and Delorise Flemister; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Preston and Janette Flemister.

Vickie leaves behind her husband, Carroll; daughter Tanya Flemister; son Eric Flemister and his wife Julie; their three children, Madelyn, Ella, and Corte, of Fort Collins; cousin Jane Brett and family, of Olathe, KS; as well as countless other cousins and friends.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her vibrant spirit will continue to inspire those who loved her. As we remember Vickie, let us honor her memory with kindness, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life.

Funeral services for Vickie were held on May 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Yuma, in Yuma, CO. Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.