VIANNAH HECHT WICKI

Viannah Wicki passed away Sunday, April 23, 2006, at her home. Mrs. Wicki has chosen to give her body to science and her soul to the Glory of God, where she will join her beloved Joe, who predeceased her. Memorial services will be held in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore, at 9 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2006, with the Revs. Bill Ingersoll and Roberta Dodds Ingersoll officiating.

Mrs. Wicki was born in northeast Kansas. She was educated in Kansas and Nebraska schools and attended the College of Commerce in Kansas City, Missouri. She was married to Joseph F. Wicki on Feb. 20, 1942. A few weeks later, Uncle Sam called Joe into service and Vi soon followed him to Texas, California and on to Ft. Dix, N.J., where he was shipped overseas.

Vi then returned to Kansas City, MO., where she found employment, joined and attended Sunday School and church and joined a support group of servicemen's wives entitled "We Guys and Gals Gave and Gained Gallantly" (The we-G's)

She moved with her husband to Kilgore in 1958, where they operated an office supply store for 25 years. They employed many teenagers during the youngster's most difficult years, and their store became known as one where employees could gain valuable experience.

Mrs. Wicki loved her adopted city and was very active in civic work. She was a charter member of the Pilot Club where she held many offices, including that of president. She had also served as president of Republican Women, Lioness Club, and held offices in the Kilgore Business & Professional Women's Club. She was member of Roy H. Laird Hospital Auxiliary, The Community Concert Association, The Downtown Association, the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, and Meadowbrook Country Club (formerly Roy H. Laird Country Club).

Mrs. Wicki supported all of the churches of Kilgore, and at the time of her death was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and was very active in the life of the church in many areas.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, American Heart Association, The Living Bank, or a charity of choice.