Vicki Lynne (Davis) Leochner of Lecompton, Kansas passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Gardens at Aldersgate, Topeka. She was born on August 10, 1948 in Lawrence to Ed and Maxine Davis, and lived nearly all her life in the Kaw River Valley as a devoted mother and wife.
After graduating from Lawrence High School in 1967, Vicki married Gary Leochner on April 11, 1970. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, daughter and friend. Together with her husband, Vicki raised five children and was a loving grandmother to each of their 16 grandchildren. We have no doubt she would have found immense joy in being a great-grandmother to her soon-to-be six great-grandchildren, but she was never able to fully relish in this role.
In addition to her family commitments, Vicki was active in the Lecompton community and devoted countless hours in service to others. She found a passion in sharing local history and helped to organize the Territorial Day events while working at the Territorial Capital Museum. For over twenty years she was a mentor to countless kids through the Campfire Youth Group program and enjoyed competitive bowling, frequently bringing home the hardware.
Children were often at the center of her giving and Christmas was a special time in the Leochner household. Vicki coordinated the yearly Christmas tree lighting at the park, an event that also served as a community gift exchange, and often arranged seasonal clothing drives for Santa’s Warehouse.
Vicki had the special ability to always look for the good in people. As long as she could still lift a hand, she would lift it in kindness to someone else. She wanted to see and be the good in this world, and so she was.
Vicki passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at The Gardens at Aldersgate, Topeka, Kansas, after succumbing to the physical and mental decline inflicted on her by dementia. Vicki is preceded in death by her parents Ed and Maxine Davis, step mother Agnes, and her sister and brother-in-law Betty and Gilbert Baker. She is survived by her husband, Gary, children Kristin (Vern) Fox, Heather (Brent) Bottom, Nathan (Ashley) Leochner, Garth Leochner, and Larissa Leochner, grandchildren Kaely, Brina, Colton, Shay, Cheyenne, Dakota, Brice, Savannah, Gabrielle, Brooklynn, Ashlyn, Kamryn, Kayla, Brayton, Bailey, Keely and great-grandchildren Elliana, Ebben, Eleanor, McKinley, Brenson.
A visitation will be held January 13th from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Rumsey Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lecompton Historical Society or a charity that supports Alzheimer’s or Dementia research. Donation link for Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate
Vicki, I love you friend. You were a godsend to many CampFire children, and a dear Friend to many of us. Me included. You have been missed dearly for some time.
Gary, Sorry to of the loss of your wife. I wish I would have met her. Haven’t seen you since we graduated high school. I live in Lawrence. We visited the territorial museum awhile back. Take care
So sorry for the loss of your mom Vicki sending thoughts, prayers, and condolences for Gary,Kristen,Heather,Nathan, Garth,and Larissa and their families.
So sorry to hear this. Vicki was my full-time day waitress when I owned the Pizza Shoppe in Lawrence. She always cared about it and did her job fantastic. Her daughter Kristen also worked for me. Good people. She will be missed.
Vicki was an amazing leader with patience to the moon.
I enjoyed having been a friend of hers for many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
So very sorry for your loss. Teddy and I saw Vicki last when she was volunteering at the Territorial Museum. Teddy was probably about 7 at the time, and Vicki gave us a guided tour and showed Teddy how to use the corn sheller. She will be missed.
Keeping you in thought and prayer as you navigate the days ahead.
The beautiful tribute to Vicki is testament to a life well lived in dedicated service to her family and community. She held a special role as sister-in-law and will be fondly remembered and missed.
Heather and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I have many fond memories of her when we were growing up. She was a trooper trying to manage all of us girls when we were younger.
I am sorry to hear of Vicki’s passing. My prayers go out to the family. As hard as it is to see them decline in health, it is just as hard to say good bye to a parent. May God watch over you during this difficult time.