Wendy Renee Bayne Vickrey

Born Wendy Renee Bayne, ‘Renee’ had a sweet, caring and kind soul who’s giggle made the world seem right. To know Renee was to hear music 24/7 with her singing every word to every song she had ever heard.

As a child here in Yakima, Renee loved swimming and won many medals for the Blue Marlins swim team.

Renee was a hardworking, dedicated mother who was able to balance the demands of raising 2 children with having a storied career in the fashion industry. She started at Nordstrom’s in Yakima then transferred to the west side of the state where she worked her way up to Manager, Buyer and then went into Sales to spend more time with her children. She thrived in the high fashion departments and in that role, she consistently led in sales and gave a level of customer service that was unparalleled. She was a trailblazer. She built a level of trust with her clients that when called upon she would put together the perfect outfit for any occasion. From earrings down to shoes, she would put it all together and deliver. Shoppers would come from all over the state to work with her-indeed she was one of Nordstrom’s very first ‘Personal Shoppers.’

On the home front, Renee loved to cook and was famous for her homemade spaghetti sauce, loaded garlic bread, string bean casserole and oven fried chicken. Her No Bake and Chocolate Chip cookies never lasted long-and it was common for her kids’ sack lunches (double bagged, too full to fold over) to have a huge slab of German chocolate cake peeking out of the top.

Most of all, her love of holidays and celebrations with her family defined her. Not a special day went by that she didn’t acknowledge, celebrate and share her excitement, love and joy. No one did Christmas like her and those memories are priceless.

Having survived a major health episode, Renée spent her remaining years in Yakima.

Renee is survived by her children: Wesley R. Johnson of Yakima and Marni (Tom) Drechsel of Woodinville, Washington. Her 2 grandchildren Samantha Drechsel and Trey Drechsel.

Also by her sisters: Cheryl Lange (Jan MD). of Bonnie Lake, Pamela Bruns of Prosser and Karen Bayne of Seattle.

A special thank you to Willow Springs Care facility who loved and cared for “Nay-Nay” as one of their own. We are so deeply grateful for your care.

Mama-Though “We Wish You Were Here” we know you can now “Take it Easy” and sing and dance to your heart’s content. Until we are “Reunited” we won’t “Let the Sun Go Down” without singing one of your faves. We will always love you “Just the Way You Are”.

Love Marni and Wes

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