Vikianna Thomas died on March 24, 2023 after suffering a stroke a few days prior. At the time she was receiving gentle care for Alzheimer’s disease at Lincoln Heights Assisted Living Home.
Viki, a third generation Phoenician, was born May 9, 1946 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix to Courtlandt “Pete” Van Voorhis and Mary Jane Van Voorhis.
Viki attended Madison #1 Elementary School, Camelback High School and the University of Arizona where she was a very active member of Delta Gamma Sorority. While at the UofA she became engaged to Jared “Tom” Thomas. Viki and Tom were married in Phoenix, June 14, 1968.
Viki was a wonderful wife, friend, and love with Tom for more than fifty-five years. Along the way she became the bestest Mom to daughter Brooke Anne, (Craig Machen), and son Jared Evans, (Megan Fitzgerald), and a special Grammie to four lovely young ladies, MaryJane Machen, Emily Bo Machen, Brooklyn Belle Thomas, and Georgia Hayley Thomas.
Viki’s parents are deceased, and her younger sister Jana passed away in 2007. Her brother Wesley, (Debra), is a Medical Doctor, PhD, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Over the years Viki was an active participant in a number of charitable groups such as Junior League, CODAC Auxiliary, Terros, All Saints Episcopal Day School parent’s group, and Board of Visitors. She was a member of the Phoenix Country Club, the Valley Field Riding and Polo Club, and a Jolly Ol’ Bum.
Viki will be remembered by all for her radiant smile, her laughter and being hostess with the mostest. Her favorite times were with her family, sharing the best appetizers, love, and Sunday night dinners.
She enjoyed the Prescott house, camping, snuggling, beaching, tennising, picnicking, hugging, boating, travelling, fine dining, neighborhood taverns, and dressing up to dance at charity balls. Most of all she enjoyed bringing happiness to others with her optimism and ever-present laughter. We miss her dearly.
A special thanks to Jamie Kimmel and the wonderful caregivers at Viki’s final place on earth. And to the many lovely people at Hospice of the Valley who provided so much support in so many ways. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.