"Stacey & Family, My Sympathy is with you and your Family. Though I never met your Mother, the loss is tragic. You must have HUGE memories, which are BLESSINGS. Through all things remember to look to GOD, he can carry you through. As Always, a Friend Sharon Simmons"
In loving memory of
Victoria "Vicki" R. Ream
June 22, 1948 - January 11, 2018
Vicki Ream loved living life to the fullest extent just as much as she did her family and friends. The third of four children born to Frederick L. and Mary Opal (Zimmerman) Bullinger Victoria R. arrived on June 22, 1948 in Goshen, IN.
Vicki attended Walkerton High School and graduated with the Class of 1966, then went on to attend Purdue University for three years. She left there to become a flight attendant, but that was not meant to be. Vicki worked several different jobs, including at a pickle factory, where she met the man of her dreams Robert Ream. The two were certainly meant to be and on July 13, 1971 were married at a fire station in Fort Wayne, IN, dressed simply in t-shirts and cutoffs. The majority of her working career was spent at North American. It was there that Vicki made many connections, including being part of the "Lunch Bunch" that ate together daily, making her 30+ years of service so enjoyable.
In her free time Vicki was an avid reader and enjoyed books by John Sandford, Jane Austen, and various other mystery novels. Vicki's favorite movies of all time were Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias.
Traveling was another hobby for Vicki and she enjoyed seeing the sights from trips to Italy, Venezula, and Florida where she could spend time with family.
Other special occasions were Thanksgiving and Christmas, where gatherings occurred yearly at her parents' home in Walkerton.
Best described, Vicki had quite the quirky sense of humor, well known to many, would make you scratch your head and laugh. All of these wonderful attributes will be immensely missed and dearly treasured permanently in our hearts.
Victoria "Vicki" Ream, age 69, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 12:39 pm on Thursday January 11, 2018 at her residence.
Survivors include her daughter, Stacy A. (Will) Britton of Muncie, IN and; son, Joshua W. (Itala) Ream of Hong Kong; step-son, Robert C. Ream of Syracuse, IN; grandchildren, Chelsey Ream, Luther Gilmore IV and Liam Britton of Muncie, IN, Alyssa Ream of Indianapolis, IN, Blake Ream of Fort Wayne, IN and Emiliana and Matteo Ream of Hong Kong; sister Cheryl (Alan) Shoemaker of Lakeville, IN and brother Fred (Nancy) Bullinger of Evansville, IN; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Mary Opal Bullinger, husband Robert Ream, and her sister Judy.
Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Thursday January 18, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a LifeStory Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.
A memorial service for Vicki will be held at 10:00 am on Friday January 19, 2018 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Vicki may be made to Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.
Tributes
"Vicki, I will miss reading your witty and hilarious posts. My memories go back to childhood going to South Bend with my little sisters Candy & Kitty , brothers Marty and later Dan. We loved playing in your house with Judy, Cheryl , you and Freddie. That scarey laundry hatch. But Vicki my biggest thanks was the weekend at Purdue when I decided to go there. I believed you when you told me more boys than anywhere else. My years at Purdue and led me to a job that I loved for over 30 years. You were a big influence on me. Your humanity and compassion, strength and love for your family. Rest in peace with your mom, dad, Judy and Bob. Love and prayers for your family. Darn flu. Know you are in my heart and prayers. Love, Cousin Cindy Fiedler"
"I am so sorry to hear about Vicki's passing. She was a sweet lady & a distinctive laugh that could be heard all around. Bev McFadden/North American"
"STACY AND FAMILY, SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM. SHE WAS A SWEET LADY. SENDING THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JANET HURD"
"Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. So sorry to hear this. "
"I am very sorry to hear that Vicki has passed away. I worked with Vicki for many years at North American Vanlines before and after it was SIRVA. She was a special person and a pleasure to work with. My condolences to the family. Joyce Murden"
"When I met Stacy's mom (she always laughed and let me call her that) Vicki was kind right from the start and she did not know me. It was the first time my disabled 14 year old daughter had ever been invited anywhere and I made that drive to Vicki's home and met these wonderful people that watched two girls sit, laugh and talk about nothing for a few hours. Vicki had the same joy watching her granddaughter have a friend as I had watching my daughter. When my child was stranded and I could not find him to help, Vicki knew his location and got him help and was not happy when I sent her a check to repay her. She showed me there were kind people still around, people that care about you even when they do not know you and it does not matter who you are. And she passed that down to her daughter. Vicki's kindness touched and inspired me, so along with values my grandfather taught me, to help people, every year I ask God to send me that special person I need to help, showing kindness and providing financial assistance. It cannot be a friend or family member (as Stacy's mom did not know me), and that person has to promise to do the same for someone else when they are stable and God puts it on their heart. I have been doing this for over 13 years. And others besides the person I help every year, have started to do this for people, helping someone special they do not know, every year. I just wanted to share how Vicki's act of kindness has help make a big impact on others. And she never knew it. I will miss her laughter, hug and smile. I am glad I have memories that I will continue to share with anyone that will listen. Bye Stacy's mom, rest in peace. Lisa "
"This is Kathy Conway (formerly Kennedy). I have many fond memories of Vicki, working with her at NAVL and also our Group outings on occasion with the Gang. She had a way of making you smile no matter what might be going on in life, and she loved her family and talked about them often!! She will be greatly missed, and I am sure she will be appointed as an Angel :) My thoughts and prayers to her family. "
"Hi. This is Lucette Dietrich. I just found out Vicki passed. She was a great woman and friend. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family. "
"My sincere sympathy to your family. Vicki was a dear friend I trusted for support and advice amidst life's journey. She always had words of wisdom to impart. Her love, support, caring, and kindness towards others was amazing. Her sense of humor warmed my heart. She dearly loved her family and was so proud of you all. I will definitely miss her, and I know this is a huge loss for your family. My love and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May her beautiful memory comfort you during your grieving and in your remembrance of her. Deepest Sympathy, Tammy Wheeler"
"So sorry for your loss. I worked with Vicki when it was North American Van Lines and I loved her laugh. I ask her when she left to call my answering machine and leave a recording of her laughing. It always made me smile."
"Aunt Vicki will be missed, she loved her family and friends, could always make people smile and laugh and we will keep her in our hearts forever"
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "