Viki Virginia Anderson

Viki grew up in Ogden, Utah. She got her first horse Stormy when she was 14. The pair were inseparable until Viki left Ogden to pursue graduate work at Utah State University. Viki was crowned Rodeo Sweetheart Attendant at the Silver Jubilee Pioneer Day Celebration and Rodeo in 1959 and at 19, she was crowned Weber County Dairy Princess.

Viki graduated from Weber High School, earned a BS degree in Psychology from Weber State College, pursued graduate work at Utah State University, and earned a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah in June 1973.

She married Allen Drew Labrecque on July 2, 1966. They later divorced.

Viki relocated to California because she was awarded a fellowship at the University of Southern California.

She fell in love with southern California’s climate and made it her permanent residence. She eventually became a partner in a private practice in Yorba Linda, California. Through her private practice, she met Michael Anderson, MD who referred some of his patients to her. Viki and Michael were married March 14, 1984 in Newport Beach, California. Each found in the other, the love of their life. They shared nine years of marriage together until Michael succumbed to cancer April 8, 1993. During these nine years they traveled to many wonderful places which often included beaches and opportunities for scuba diving.

Following Michael’s death, Viki enrolled at the Institut de Francais in VilleFranche to polish her “French” language skills. She found joy in sharing her beloved “France” with many family members and others. While in France, she made some very dear friends with whom she continued to stay in touch.

Still feeling a void from Michael’s passing, Viki rekindled her passion for horses. She acquired a horse named Madrigal who quickly became her pride and joy. Madrigal, a Swedish warmblood, was bred for dressage riding. This provided Viki a new challenge with a steep learning curve even though she was an experienced western-style rider. Sycamore Stables became her second home and the people there became part of her family along with a cat named Tut whom Viki took home, and another cat named Lilly who shared space at Madrigal’s stall.

Viki loved to learn about the world and discover its “what(s),” “where(s),” “why(s),” and “how(s).” She liked to philosophize about various possibilities concerning the creation of the universe and its purpose.

Viki was an avid reader. Even as young girl, she could often be found with a book in her hand.

Viki passed quietly in her sleep while holding her brother Dennis’ hand on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 10:26 PM PST.

Viki’s family would like to express their gratitude to both Dennis and Frankie Harper who spent the past two and one-half months helping her prepare for her passing. They would also like to thank the Hospice workers who helped by providing compassionate care, comfort, and support during the most recent past couple of weeks. Finally, the family expresses thanks to family members, friends, neighbors, and others who have given support in a variety of ways.

Viki is survived by her stepmother Bonnie Harper, brother, Dennis Harper (Frankie) and their children, sister Denise (Harper) Boren (Clark) and their children, niece Holly Hunter, niece Brooke Harper, nephew Brady Harper, niece Jackie Harper, sister-in-law Sheryl Harper, nephews Zach and Sam Harper, stepsister Patti Marker, stepbrother Frank Marker Jr., sister-in-law Patricia Anderson, and brother-in-law Timothy Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Anderson, father-in-law Edward Anderson, mother-in-law, Ellen Anderson, father Lewis Earl Harper, mother Gayle (Oberhansley) Marker (Frank), stepfather Don Stoddard, stepbrother Donny Stoddard, sister Dana (Harper) Hunter, niece Heidi Hunter, brother Kent Harper, brother Doug Harper, and many dear members of her family, on both sides (Harper) and (Oberhansley).

To view Viki's life story, please copy the URL below into your internet browser.

https://vimeo.com/491029030