Vicki Cox

Vicki Lynn Cox was born June 16, 1948 in Wray, Colorado, to Beulah and Ron Ashliman of Idalia, Colorado. Vicki’s father, Ron, was a decorated veteran of World War II, and managed a fuel delivery business in the Idalia area. Vicki attended elementary school in Idalia, continuing with school in Denver and Greeley, graduating there in 1966. Older brothers Lance and Larry Hughey allowed rough-and-tumble Vicki to tag along, creating countless memories that she often shared with friends and family.

Some of Vicki’s greatest memories in her adult life was taking Leesa on as a daughter of her own during her time living north of Burlington. Vicki took the role of mom seriously. She sewed clothes for Leesa, attended every school activity, made sure Leesa attended Vacation Bible School, and spent countless hours helping with chores and keeping the farmstead there humming along. Vicki later took on the role of a licensed insurance agent for Colorado Federal Agency, owned at the time by Ralph Kleweno. That special friendship with Ralph continued until his passing in 1987.

On February 14, 1987, Vicki married the love of her life, Arrie Cox. Arrie was a licensed master plumber that spent a career in many commercial projects along the Front Range of Colorado. Also from Idalia, Arrie had many fond memories of playing with the Ashliman family many years earlier. Arrie and Vicki made their home wherever the current work as a plumber and caretaker of his folks took Arrie. Retirement found Vicki and Arrie in St. Francis, Kansas, followed by a time in Brush and Limon, Colorado, and finally made their home in Colby, near the care center where Vicki passed on March 19, 2021.

Vicki was a consummate homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother through the years. She was very witty, adept at card-playing, making aa great partner in Pitch and loved beating everyone at a good game of Rummy. Vicki could make a mean scalloped potatoes, taco salad, or cream cheese frosting. She maintained many friendships over the years, and the extended families always found Vicki kind and welcoming to her home. Her small canine friends punctuated her life and brought her great joy, even when she was lucky enough to gain a visit from one in the care center in later years.

Vicki had great skills in dexterity with stellar penmanship, expert sewing, and happened to be the best at repairing and replacing plastic gates on irrigation pipe. She enjoyed going for rides and travel, but did not enjoy driving in the city. Arrie and Vicki took enjoyable trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota where she looked for the next piece of Black Hills Gold jewelry. She was always dedicated to attending as many grandchildren’s events as possible, was an avid Bronco’s fan, and always took time to watch the World Series.

Vicki’s sense of humor was truly unique. No one could beat her at finding the absolutely-perfect greeting card that happened to fit its intended recipient. She coined many hilarious nicknames for family and friends, usually tied to a funny experience enjoyed together. Her home had many enjoyable and light-hearted humorous items that always gave rise to great conversation and good laughs.

Vicki always said “You must bloom where you are planted”, and she did just that in each of her homes. Vicki will be remembered for her spirit, loving support, and timely quick wit. She loved her family intensely, and loved sharing time, fun, laughter, and music with the friends she easily made wherever she lived.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Beulah, and a brother Larry G. Hughey. She is survived by her husband, Arrie Cox of Colby, Kansas, her daughter Leesa McCue (Troy) and family of Arriba, Colorado, and two stepsons Mike Cox (Jennifer) and family of Tucson, Arizona and Shawn Cox (Primrose) of Thornton, Colorado, and a brother, Lance C. Hughey of Denver, Colorado. She is also survived by grandchildren: Mercedes and Austen McCue; Michael, Heather, Levi, Ocesun, and Jypsea Cox; and Samuel Cox; Nephews Clay Hughey (Julia) and family (Mavis and George) of Saratoga Springs, New York, and Tim Hughey of Grand Junction, Colorado. She is also survived by dear friend and sister-in-law Tricia Hughey of Denver and many friends and extended family.

A celebration of Vicki’s life and loveliness will be planned at a future date. Memorials are suggested to the Prairie Senior Living Center, in c/o Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com