Patricia Ann Vickers

Patricia Ann Vickers, age 98, of Rolla and Springfield, Missouri, passed away on September 28, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Lebanon. Patricia was born on April 27, 1927, in Iowa City, IA and was united in marriage to John Vickers on September 3, 1949.

Patricia was preceded in death by her spouse – John Michael Vickers, mother – Theresa Stenvick, son – Michael Lewis Vickers, daughter – Joyce Ann Vickers Wendelken, granddaughter – Christin Lynn Wendelken Carduff Wilton, and great-grandson – Ryan Andrew Wilton. She is survived by her daughter L. Janice Carduff and husband Jack Carduff; daughter Judith Lynn Kile and husband Michael Kile; grandchildren Brian Carduff, Jenny Carduff Siroky, Jared Miesner, Gaysha Miesner Fevold, Lauren Wendelken Riegelhaupt; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Patricia was an elementary music teacher in the Rolla Public Schools, starting her career in 1966. She had her Bachelor's, her Master's, and her Specialist degree. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church, serving as both the youth and adult choir director, occasional accompanist, the handbell director and after her move to Springfield, the treasurer. She often regaled residents at Cedarhurst by playing the piano.

Because of her interest in emergency and elder health care, Patricia also earned and maintained for many years, certification as an EMT. She volunteered at the local County Hospital in Rolla and often assisted in ambulance calls for emergencies. For a number of years, she helped with elder care for one of her neighbors and for the family doctor's wife.

One of Patricia's favorite organizations was the Red Cross. She and her husband both volunteered their time to go on disaster relief missions, helping those who were in crisis. Upon retiring from teaching, she became the director of the Red Cross in Rolla. After her husband passed, she moved to Springfield and started working with the Springfield Red Cross Chapter.

Because of her dedication to helping others, Patricia was honored with the Red Cross Clara Barton Volunteer Award. Then in 2017 Patricia was honored by the City of Springfield with the Everyday Hero award for her work with the Red Cross. Upon her official retirement from the Red Cross, the city gave her a thank you parade in front of her house, complete with firetrucks, police cars, and the media.

Patricia was a very special person and well loved by her family and friends. Her gift to others was her time, her talents, her understanding and love. Because of her strong faith and musical gifts, there is no doubt that she'll soon be celebrating her first Christmas in the Heavenly Choir. We know that when she met her Savior, he said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Red Cross in the name of Patricia Vickers. A Celebration of Life for Patricia will be a private family event.

Services are being provided by Greenlawn Funeral Home North.