Vitus Lorene "Vi" Adams

Vitus "Vi" Lorene Adams

Nothing we can say fully captures all that Vi was to her family and to the people she touched.

At 8:35 on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Vi passed away at home surrounded by her family after a brief but fierce battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She was 18 years short of her desire to reach the magical age of 100 years old, and she teased the doctors about getting her those extra years! As the reality of her diagnosis sunk in, she praised and appreciated the doctors and nurses for being honest, kind, and straight-forward. She accepted her fate and just wanted to be at home to spend her remaining days with her family. She never complained, rather, she generously shared all her love and strength, and she continues to do so even though she is gone. Her last days were filled with her family's off colored jokes, listening to epic card game battles, songs sung to her by those good and bad voices, and the ukulele serenades by Roland that were sweet enough to be dessert.

Vitus "Vi" Lorene (Archer) Adams was born on May 24, 1938 in Washington to Jesse Frank and Helen Nada Archer. She was raised in Washington and Utah and then moved to California where she graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, CA. It was there that she worked at a local soda fountain and caught the eye of Roland, who knew right away that she was the "one" for him. They married soon after he returned from his service in the army. And thank goodness because he had her name tattooed on his bicep! They just celebrated their 64th anniversary on October 13, 2020.

In Yerington, NV, Vi volunteered or assumed leadership roles in some of the town's non-profit organizations. She was also instrumental in the founding of three local thrift stores whose proceeds supported vital community needs. A few organizations close to her heart included A.L.I.V.E., Mason Valley Boys and Girls Club, The Museum Thrift Store, Republican Central Committee, and Operation Local Support. She shared many hours forging lifelong friendships with her fellow volunteers (her merry band of buddies). Although thrift stores and yard sales were her thing, her patriotism and love of our country ran deep. She refused to leave for the hospital in Reno until she voted, and she proudly wore the "I Voted" sticker for three days in the hospital.

Traditions played an important role in the life that Vi and Roland created for their family. Vi was the creator! Donuts on the first snow; homemade noodles and mashed potatoes (don't judge, they are delicious) at Christmas and Thanksgiving; "pink stuff" (loved by the grandsons she says, but "pink stuff" was one of the last things she wanted); soups for every friend and visitor; custom decorated cakes for every birthday, wedding, or prom; every holiday, homemade divinity and fudge for neighbors, friends, her kids' friends, and coworkers; her divine sour milk sugar cookies that you couldn't stop eating...

Although Vi was the oldest of 10 and the mother of four, she was the ultimate mom to all—every friend of one of her kids or grandkids called her "mom" or "Grandma." She was preceded in death by her grandson, Randy Brinkley, and her family knows their reunion will be filled with joy and laughter. She is survived by her husband, Roland; her four kids, Chuck (Angie) Adams, Kelly (Bill) Fraser, Barbara (Mark) Rowley, and Charis (Steve) Derbyshire; and 14 grandkids and 15 great grandkids.

The family would like to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy. In Vi's memory, they ask that you honor her memory by sharing a pot of soup with a neighbor or friend, by always believing the best in people and not judging others, and by never complaining. She would tell you complaining doesn't help anyone. If you are able, please donate to an organization that means something to you or to one of the organizations she loved. She was a remarkable lady who never told anyone what to do. She would, rather sweetly, pat your arm and accept you just as you are. Her family is trying to remember her wisdom as we navigate without our fearless (and quiet) leader. We hope you will too.