Vicki Jane Thorpe

After 73 years of showing the way for all who knew her, a steadfast beacon shone its last this week. Vicki Jane (Hedrick) Thorpe passed away in her home in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded as always by friends and family.

Vicki is survived by her spouse Rick, her lifelong soulmate with whom she celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past April. She also leaves behind her children Ryan Thorpe and Wendy Winkle, their spouses Amanda Wade and Ryan Winkle, and grandchildren Lucy and Charles Winkle.

A family woman to her core, Vicki was also a beloved sister to Richard Hedrick and Beverly Symon, as well as a cherished aunt to 12 nieces and nephews and many more grandnieces and grandnephews.

Those fortunate enough to be touched by her light—and there were many—will speak to her giant heart and her friendly, caring nature. Others will note her kindness, positive attitude, compassion and thoughtfulness. She was so many things to so many people, always elevating others’ happiness and well-being above her own.

Vicki lived her first 58 years in Spencer County, Indiana. The youngest of three children, she grew up a small-town girl in Rockport, attending Saint Bernard Catholic School before graduating from South Spencer High School in 1969.

Vicki went on to graduate with distinction from Western Kentucky University, and after a brief stint teaching abroad in Guatemala, she moved back to Spencer County and ultimately became a teacher at Apollo High School in nearby Owensboro, Kentucky. There she would help shape the lives of countless young people as an English and Latin teacher for 34 years.

Beyond her own classroom, Vicki was an active member of the community in Rockport, especially when it came to her children. Serving on the school board and the PTA, time with Kiwanis Club, and volunteering as a band parent and academic team coach; Vicki always prioritized service to her family and community.

When retirement came, there was little question where she’d spend the next chapter of her life: close to family. Rick and Vicki synchronized their retirement (as they did most everything) and moved to the “big city,” settling on the northeast side of Indy to surround themselves with their growing family. Their first grandchild, Lucy Mae, was born to Wendy and Ryan Winkle in 2007 and three years later came Charles Richard. When not happily watching their grandkids, Rick and Vicki were attending countless sporting events, orchestra concerts, and school banquets. A prouder “Maw Maw” one could not find.

Vicki found time for herself as well. Though she cherished her small-town roots, Vicki actively embraced big city living. She became an avid Pacers fan, attending many games, including multiple consecutive years of home openers. She also became a prominent member of her neighborhood—co-chairing the social committee, coordinating the monthly Ladies Breakfast Group, and being a walking partner to many neighborhood friends—while also leading a weekly bible study at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

With more free time afforded by retirement, traveling also became a passion for Vicki. She and Rick traveled to a number of notable destinations—Europe, New York City, Hawaii and Aruba, to name a few—while also hitting a great number of states and national parks on a long road trip out west.

Vicki filled many roles in her incredible life: a loving spouse, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother, a supportive sister, a loyal friend, an inspirational teacher, a hard-working role model, and many more.

From the “Ya-Yas” to her “teacher friends,” from her neighbors to her church group, and all her friends and loved ones old and new, Vicki was a blessing who will truly be missed. Her exemplary life will continue to light the way for all those she touched.

A visitation for Vicki will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. A visitation will occur Monday, July 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220. A funeral mass will occur Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center.