Eula Mae Vickers

Eula Mae Vickers passed away April 7, 2016, at Nevada Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Nevada, Mo. She was born Feb. 3, 1926, near El Dorado Springs, Mo., to James G. and Sarah (Thompson) Plank. Eula Mae grew up on their farm just southeast of town and attended Clintonville School, where she was accelerated, entering El Dorado Springs High School at age 12, graduating at 16. She began teaching immediately following graduation, first at Love School east of El Dorado Springs and later at Flat Rock. She attended Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) and later Drury College.

In July 1946, she was introduced to Dwight Vickers at the El Dorado Springs Picnic. They were married Dec. 2 of that year, began farming, and had twin boys by the following November. They bought a farm near Dederick the next year, where they resided until Dwight passed away March 2, 1989. She was a true partner and worker on the farm throughout their life there. She was an excellent cook, and family, neighbors, and friends knew her kitchen was always open and well-stocked.

She also taught in a private kindergarten in El Dorado Springs from 1954-58 and was a substitute teacher and teacher's aide until her retirement. She was active in the community, supporting local school activities and campaigns, as education was a high priority. She was active in the First Christian Church of El Dorado Springs and was a Red Cross Volunteer for many years. She loved flowers and was very proud of her Iris garden on the farm.

She never met a stranger and was blessed with many good friends from all walks and stations of life. She was a loyal and devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother and was a caretaker to family and friends, but especially to Dwight in his later years. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Ralph Plank of Washington, and William Plank of California.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Keith and Sharon Vickers, Leawood, Kan., Kendall and Susan Vickers, Nevada, Mo., and Kyle and Debbie Vickers, El Dorado Springs, Mo.; as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Melanie and husband, Roben Torosyan, and children, Catherine and Ella Mae; Betsy and husband, Kris Osborn, and daughter, Laurel, and son, Alec; Ryan Vickers and wife, Abby, and children, Skyler, Jaden and Jacob; David Vickers; and Nathan, Andy, and Ben Vickers. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Ruth Hutchison, Paul Plank, James Plank, Gerald Plank, and Sharon Morehouse; as well as her very dear and loyal friend, Claudine Pope, of El Dorado Springs.

A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund at the First Christian Church of El Dorado Springs, Mo.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.