Hattie L. Vickrey

1947 - 2025

Hattie L Vickrey
February 26, 1947 - June 30, 2025
Heaven gained another amazing, strong, loving, fun, hardworking role model, and angel. Hattie L Vickrey, The First Lady of Auto Racing, aged 78, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Wenatchee, WA., after a long hard-fought battle with her aging body, Hattie passed peacefully on her own timeline, when she knew her family was by her side. Hattie was born in her beloved "Old Country" in Stoddard, Wisconsin, on February 26, 1947. Throughout her life, Hattie was deeply involved in her community and touched many lives through her various roles and hobbies.
Hattie dedicated many years to the Wenatchee Valley School District, where she served in many roles including the Head Custodian at Wenatchee High and Orchard Middle Schools, and also as a beloved School Bus Driver. Hattie was a true friend, second mother, and mentor to countless kids. Hattie would give hugs and heartfelt warm encouragement to kids when they needed it and would also be known to hold kids accountable, like kicking them off her bus, for their questionable choices. Her commitment to the well-being and support of the students was evident in her diligent work and caring nature. Many students recount her warm and beautiful smile.
Beyond her professional life, Hattie was an avid enthusiast of auto racing, not only was Hattie the founder of the Garrett Evans Fan Club and The Racy Ladies, Hattie once proclaimed "I could out drive a bunch of the men." Her husband John then said "prove it!" And surprised her with a Brewster police car to race. And race she did! Hattie was the first female short track driver in the United States. In her first year, Hattie won the coveted titles of Rookie of the Year, Favorite Driver, and Sportsman of the Year. Hattie, John, and John Jr are in the Racing Hall of Fame. In fact, her grandson Cody is the current points leader in his division proving the legacy lives on. Hattie overcame all odds in racing in a completely male-dominated sport. Many a person told her she wasn't good enough, couldn't do it, and needed to know her place. She answered them by setting a track record of 15.50 in a quarter mile oval in Penticton, BC. This is where she earned the nickname "Third Groove Hattie", for passing every (male) driver on the track by placing two wheels in the dirt, racing down the backstretch. Her passion for racing was paralleled by her commitment to youth and community sports. Hattie always lovingly surrounded herself with youth. She gave freely of her time and coached fast pitch softball, soccer, and was an instructor for the Eaglettes Drill Team. Hattie also served as a Boy Scout Den Mother, demonstrating her dedication to mentoring and guiding youth. Hattie was known to take care of underprivileged youth by being a mentor, advocate and friend.
Her love for the outdoors was profound, engaging in hunting, fishing, camping and trapping. From when she was a little girl in Wisconsin, you could always find "Hattie Lou" knee-deep in the muddy water of the mighty Mississippi River, fishing with the first love of her life, her dad Herb and her brothers. This love of the outdoors continued throughout her entire life. Hattie cherished time spent cooking and making lasting memories with her grandchildren, passing on family recipes, that were 99% stored in her memory, and usually made up on the fly. Hattie is survived by her husband John Vickrey, the leather coat wearing rebel from California that stole her heart. Much to his surprise, the day he met Hattie, he knew he would be getting married. Hattie is also survived by daughter Shannon Grill, (Danny), and sons John Vickrey Jr (Cyndy) and Gary Vickrey (Stacy), as well as her grandchildren Cheyenne, Cody, Jeremy, Austin, Mesa, Tristan and Autumn, and her many great-grandchildren Harper, Ben, Wyatt, Maddox, Sadie, Lincoln, Everett, Natalie, Ryzen, Blake, Cole and Norah.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Katherine (Mae) Morrison, and her siblings, Harry and Donny Morrison and Alma (Micky) Umberger. It's impossible to capture the true essence of this unbelievable woman in just written words alone. She was fearless, she worked her body to the point of breaking, she loved with every ounce of her being, and she built an amazing life with John that could never be duplicated.
A memorial of Hattie's life will be held at "her track" the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval on July 12th, and also on July 13th during a celebration of life open house from 4-7 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 667 10 Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA. The family invites all who love Hattie to attend. This is NOT a funeral, dress casually, to reflect the spirited and heartfelt nature of the event. Hattie wanted this to be an event to celebrate, tell stories, and sing a little "Sweet Child O' mine."
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Make A Wish Utah, an organization close to Hattie's heart, reflecting her lifelong dedication to bringing joy and support to others.