Vicky Ann Book

Vicky Ann Book peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family, on August 15, 2024. Born to Leonard and Irene Bird, in Shenandoah, Iowa, on October 4, 1945, Vicky’s life was full of love, laughter, and loyalty.

Growing up on the Bird family farm, Vicky enjoyed the simplicity of small-town Iowa life. After graduating from Shenandoah High School in 1964, she pursued her passion for education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1968.

In June 1969, Vicky married James (Jim) Book at the Shenandoah Methodist Church. Vicky and Jim briefly lived in Ames, Iowa before moving to Spencer, Iowa. Their Spencer years were fun, friend-filled years. While living in Spencer, they were blessed with twins - a girl & a boy! Elizabeth Ann and Steven James completed the Book family.

Jim and Vicky moved to Winterset, Iowa, where they raised their children. After Beth & Steve started school, Vicky began teaching kindergarten at Winterset Elementary School, where she taught until retirement. Mrs. Book, in Room K-4, taught well over 500 kindergartners!

Vicky’s greatest joy in life was her family. Being a mom and grandma was truly what she was meant to do. Vicky was loving, present, devoted, and always there. Always!

She was lovingly known for asking 20 questions to anyone and everyone out of her genuine interest in others. Also, if you wanted to have a deep conversation about the meaning of life, Vicky was your person! Vicky had the best laugh, was a voracious reader, and loved shopping at Valley West Mall with Beth. Shopping for her children and grandchildren filled her heart. Vicky was a natural with her effortless clothing and home decor style.

Iowa Hawkeye football tailgates with their best family friends from college, Dennis & Cynthia Robinson, were always a popular stop; partly thanks to Vicky’s addicting snack mixes that were loved by everyone. Vicky was also known for her unique & delicious casseroles; the more butter and cream the better!

After Vicky and Jim retired, they moved to Kansas City to be close to their children and grandchildren. Vicky quickly found a group of friends with whom she lunched and experienced Kansas City. Vicky and Jim enjoyed their Sunday nights at The Peanut, their dining out group, and New Dinner Theatre season tickets with friends. However, Vicky loved most to be home with her family. She greatly treasured her alone time spent with a book or a show, and a glass of wine.

Vicky saw the world with adventurous family vacations, cruising with the Robinsons and taking European river cruises with Jim. Winter stays in Fort Myers Beach, Florida became their favorite annual getaway. Lake weekends in Okoboji and The Lake of the Ozarks also held a special place for Vicky. The most special vacation was spent in Maui, Hawaii, with all of her children & grandchildren, for Jim and Vicky’s 50th wedding anniversary!

Vicky’s memory is carried on by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jim; her loving children, Beth (Steve) Seiler, Steve (Ann) Book; and the three loves of her life, her grandchildren Nathan & Evan Book and Lydia Seiler. Vicky is also survived by a host of special, extended family.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, brother William (Bill) Bird, and in-laws Harold and Mary Rose Book.

Services will be held on Monday, August 26 at McGilley State Line Funeral Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Attn: Donor Services, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.

Vicky’s deep and unconditional love for her family and friends will live on with us forever.