Vicki J Cole

Vicki Cole, age 75 of Shelby, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 25, in Shelby, Ohio, surrounded by loved ones and friends.
Vicki was born on December 30, 1948, in Bucyrus, Ohio to Joseph and Joan "Pat" Heath Kennedy. She graduated from Buckeye Central High School in the class of 66'. While in high school she utilized her talent and love for music to play clarinet in the high school band, which would lay the foundation for her future career. Following high school, Vicki went on to attend Capital University in Ohio to follow her musical passion and pursue her undergraduate degree in music education.
Vicki then continued her studies at Heidelberg University obtaining her master's degree in music education. After her schooling, Vicki found herself back home in Shelby, Ohio where she was able to blend her musical ability and love for teaching together perfectly to help her fulfill her passion as a band/choir director. Vicki would spend the entirety of her professional teaching career, over 30 years, employed by Buckeye Central, Bucyrus, and Crestline School District's as a band and choir director. She was very musically talented and could play any instrument that her fingers touched, except the guitar. Vicki was so proud that the one instrument she never learned to play her son went on to master. As an educator, Vicki stayed highly involved and was a member of the Ohio Music Education Association. She was immensely proud of her time spent at these schools and always felt honored when former students would reach out later in life or stay at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA Resort and ask for "Mrs. Cole".
Following her teaching career, Vicki and Garry set forth on a new adventure, as business owners of their own campground, which they purchased as the Wagon Wheel Campground from Garry's parents in '91. In 2002 they proudly became a KOA franchise. It became quickly apparent that Vicki had a knack for owning and operating a campground and she worked tirelessly to bring amazing experiences and lasting memories to the campers. Vicki took pride in offering as many amenities as possible to her customers, to enhance the camping experience for all. There were many improvements added throughout the years that Vicki saw come to fruition. Just recently, she was most excited about the signature patio sites and a new restroom and laundry facility; But the launch of her longtime dream, the splash pad, was by far her favorite. The evening before her death Vicki and Garry proudly christened the new splash pad with the first run through the water together, which will always be a treasured memory.
As a natural business owner and leader, Vicki used her passion for activities and camping to help others with their business endeavors. She was a well respected expert in the outdoor hospitality field, which led her to become a certified Outdoor Hospitality Executive. She and her husband spent time traveling across the country presenting and sharing their experiences with campground business owners on how to provide the best customer experience. She was highly involved in a variety of organizations that serve to elevate and empower other owners by sharing business strategies and ideas. Vicki was very active in one of the national KOA 20's group, was a proud member of and served on the board of the Ohio Campground Owners Association, the Ohio KOA owners association, and the National KOA owners association and served. She also was part of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, serving as the chair for the Foundation board. Locally she also served on the Crawford County Health Board.
Vicki was a woman of many talents. A little less known fact about Vicki is that she was very passionate about sheep. She spent time raising sheep and preparing them for show. Vicki would travel with her sheep to county, state, and national fairs, competing for best in show.
Vicki is survived by her loving husband, Garry, whom she wed on November 28, 1968. Her beloved son, Chad Cole of Columbus, Ohio; a very special niece Amy (Edward) Wilde of Shelby; two grandchildren, Lauren and Caroline Cole; three siblings, Denise (Mike) Holtzapfel, Joe (Connie) Kennedy, and Todd Kennedy all of Bucyrus, Ohio; additional nephews and nieces, Josh (Marissa) Reese, Jason (Audrey) Reese, Mark (Felicia) McClure, Shelli (Curtis) Ashley, Bryan (Anna) Kennedy, Andy (Stephanie) Kennedy, Josh (Dawn) Kennedy; as well as numerous other great nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Vicki was preceded in death by her brother Stephen Kennedy and an infant brother, Michael.
Vicki was passionate about many things and touched many lives in the process. The hole left behind with the loss of Vicki will be felt by many. She was loved deeply and will be missed immensely.
A private memorial service will take place at a later date by the family.
Vicki believed in supporting local organizations and she always made it a point to support her local first responders. During this difficult time, her family would like to thank the campers on site and all of the first responders who worked diligently in providing first aid to Vicki in her medical emergency. We are sincerely grateful for your assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vicki's memory to the Tiro-Auburn Volunteer Fire Department, who was one of the departments on scene. This fire department held a special place in Vicki's heart, and she always looked forward to helping raise funds for them. Contributions may be mailed to 102 Main Street Tiro, Ohio 44887.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Vicki J Cole, please visit our floral store.