Iona A Vasicek

Atha Iona Lampley Vasicek passed on Feb 3, 2022, just before her 92nd birthday. She came into this world Feb. 9, 1930, in Benton, Illinois. Upon graduating from high school there, she briefly enrolled in a business college before marrying Victor F. Vasicek of El Campo, Texas. They lived in West Texas most of their 53 years of marriage, in Lubbock and Midland. Vic and Jerome Fullinwider established VF Petroleum, Inc. Iona suggested this endeavor. She was also an early member of Midland’s Women’s Geological Society. She, herself, was the rock who made home function smoothly. She volunteered with Cub Scouts and did Bible Study. Singing at the piano was a joy to her, popular tunes of the day and hymns. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church and later, First Baptist Church. She was supportive, loving, caring, giving—always there for family and friends, especially her children. For years, Iona hit tennis balls to beginners, assisting the public school tennis coaches. Iona was short in stature but many people looked up to her because she was a doer. She organized holiday family gatherings as well as extended family reunions. Iona specialized in a number of arts and crafts. She baked the best pies and homemade candy at Christmas. Her tennis game was competitive and card playing merciless! After Vic passed in 2003, Iona travelled, including trips to the Czech Republic and the Holy Land. Her health declined over a number of years. Her family is grateful to the nurses who have attended to her for fifteen years. That said, Iona danced at grandchildren’s weddings: at one, she nearly caught the bridal bouquet! Mother had a sharp wit. She would quote John 3:16 and Psalms 23 and add that prayers and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ saved herself and others from a boatload of trouble. We remember Mother’s infectious smiles and laughter. We cherished her hospitality and goodwill. How we truly miss her. As Iona sank into dementia, loving and active care from Alice Saenz, Angie Hernandez, Stephenie Angeles and Malissa Ibarra kept Mother’s life as interesting and safe as possible: they got her mind and body going, interactively getting her to engage. Heartfelt thanks to them.

Iona was predeceased by her father, Rolla Paul Lampley; her mother, Alma Irene Sutton; her brother, Donald Lampley; her sister, Winona Arnold. She is survived by her son, Michael R. Vasicek of Midland and his children, Kristen (Dallas), Ashley (New York City); Lance/Ashley (Midland); Savannah C. Wagoner/Donnie (Dallas); Nash Cantwell (Dallas); her son, Mark Vasicek (Sharon) of Burlington, Iowa and their children, Joseph/Piper (Utah); Kate/Danny (Iowa); Sarah (Utah); Dorothea (Arkansas); and her daughter, Vicki V. Buholz (Steven) of Dallas and her sons, David Oxenreiter (Ft. Worth); Daniel/Kate Oxenreiter (Pearland, Texas); as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Thurs., Feb. 10, 6:30 pm, Ellis Funeral Home. Service will be Fri., Feb. 11, 11 am, Christ’s Church Anglican, 5501 N. Midkiff Rd.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com for the Vasicek family.