Victoria Trantham

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- Victoria Caroleen Austin Trantham took her last breath on earth and her first breath of heaven Saturday, Jan. 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; aunt, Coleene Espinosa; and many loving, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

To know Vikki was to love Vikki.

Vikki was born Feb. 28, 1954, in Independence and lived there throughout her childhood, spending many wonderful summers at the family cabin in Warsaw, Missouri. Vikki graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1972. Her heart for humanity drew her into the field of nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing 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, 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, The Warm House in Warsaw or her long-time Sunday School class, Growing in Faith at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denton, Texas.

As her family mourns the loss of this wonderful woman on this earth, they 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 from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence.

Funeral service will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.speakschapel.com.