Victoria Smith

Vickie “Toots” Smith, age 79, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on May 24, 2023, in the loving care of Good Shepherd Hospice and Homestead of Wichita with her son and daughter by her side. Born Victoria Elizabeth Hageman on April 18, 1944, in Nashville, Kansas, Vickie was the 11th and youngest child of William and Minnie (Becker) Hageman. She spent her younger years on the family farm in Willowdale until her family moved to Kingman. Vickie graduated from Kingman High School with the class of 1963 and in 1966, she married Eugene Mark Smith. They lived in Wichita where they raised their family including a son, Gary, daughter, Amy, and their dogs, Candy, and then Angel. In 1974, their marriage was blessed during a ceremony at Christ the King when Gene joined the Catholic Church. Gene belonged to the Holy Name Society, and Vickie was active in Guild 6, and the Altar Society. Vickie had so much fun helping Gene run the church hall for events and dances. She adored her family and was close to all of her siblings and especially her nieces and nephews. She owned her own successful house cleaning business and had many loyal customers. After Gene’s passing in 1990, Vickie found her community and support as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She started volunteering to serve lunches to local businessmen and firemen, place flags on veterans' graves, other various activities. She eventually moved into working as their bartender. She loved serving and talking with the members including her friends, regulars, and the motorcycle clubs that would stop by. In her free time she loved crafting, sewing, dancing, playing bingo, going to the dog races, camping, garage saling, and spending time with family. Vickie will be lovingly remembered for her ornery and stubborn spirit who was also loyal, fun-loving, and a hard worker. Even in her recent years at Homestead Assisted Living and Memory Care, she couldn’t sit still and volunteered to help with wrapping silverware, calling bingo, and delivering mail. She looked out for many of the other residents and made many lasting friendships. Above all she was an amazing grandmother who deeply loved and adored her grandbabies.

Vickie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene; siblings: Ralph (Frances) Hageman, Ed (Mary) Hageman, Delores “Sis” (John) Albers, Raymond “Sonny” (Patricia) Hageman, Theresa (Lawrence “Shorty”) Thimesch, Paul Hageman; siblings-in-law, Miran Sedlacek and Jeanne Hageman; and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her son, Gary (Kim) Smith; daughter, Amy (Jon) Cole; grandchildren: Rebecca, Karl, Andrew, Dakota, and Elizabeth; siblings: Anna Sedlacek, Sr. Marie Hageman, Tony Hageman, and Norman (Linda) Hageman; sister-in-law, Leola Hageman; over 30 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services honoring Vickie’s life will begin on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, with visitation at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 4411 W. Maple Street in Wichita, Kansas. A funeral mass will be held at the church on Wednesday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Devin Burns officiating. Vickie will be laid to rest next to Gene at Resurrection Cemetery following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Andrew Smith, Doug Hageman, Ed Albers, Jack Thimesch, Andrew Hageman, and Philip Hageman. A time for sharing memories, love, and laughter will be provided during a luncheon at the church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the family for a charity to be determined.