Vikki Austin Trantham
Victoria Caroleen Austin Trantham took her last breath on earth and her first breath of heaven on January 14, 2023. Welcoming Vikki to heaven were her daughters Corey and Peyton, parents Eulalia and Victor Austin and brother Dave Austin. Vikki is survived by her husband Dr. David Trantham, son Dr. Austin Trantham, daughter in-law Stephanie and precious granddaughter Lilliana, sister Patty Wike, her Godmother Aunt Carol Slattery, Aunt Coleene Espinosa and many loving aunts, uncles, in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends . To know Vikki was to love Vikki.
Vikki was born February 28, 1954, in Independence, Missouri, and lived there throughout her childhood, spending many wonderful summers at the family cabin in Warsaw. Vikki graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1972. Her heart for humanity drew her into the field of nursing. She received her BSN in 1976 from the University of Missouri. It was during that time that she met the love of her life, David, and married him in 1977.
Over the decades, Vikki served others as a nurse and occupational therapist in Missouri and Texas but was most proud of loving and raising her son and spending time with her vast family. She loved traveling and exploring all over the country. She felt most at peace in her craft room and near water, whether at the lake or on a beach. Vikki’s creative and artistic nature were magnificently displayed in the beautiful quilts she created. Upon retiring from the medical field, Vikki devoted herself to this talent and taught others her acquired skills.
Vikki’s strong Christian values and compassion were lived out with her commitment to several charities. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider a contribution in her name to Project Linus ( https://www.projectlinus.org/ ), The Warm House (Warsaw, MO) (https://www.facebook.com/people/WARM-House/100064311984301/ ) or her long-time Sunday School class: “Growing in Faith” at Trinity United Methodist Church . ( https://trinitydenton.org/ )
As we mourn the loss of this wonderful woman on this earth, we are comforted to know that Vikki, forever a Jimmy Buffett fan, has her toes in the sands of heaven holding the hands of her two precious daughters.
A Celebration of Vikki’s Life will be held January 28, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, with the service from 2:30 – 3:30 pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th Street, Independence, Missouri. speakschapel.com.