Vicky Lynne Parker, 66, passed away on November 18, 2024, in Kennewick, Washington after a long-fought and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 22, 1958, in San Diego, California, Vicky was the eldest child born to Roy & Betty Parker. Throughout her childhood, her father's Naval career took them all over the USA and over time, 5 younger siblings would join the Parker clan. Vicky, the classic 'eldest daughter' was fiercely protective, loyal, and always a 'mother hen' to her younger brothers and sister. She continued her entire life to be known for her vibrant personality, charisma, wit and leadership.

Vicky graduated high school in San Diego in 1976 but pursued higher education somewhat later in life after she had raised 5 beautiful children. In 2003 Vicky graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washington State University and began her career as a Reading and Language Arts Middle School Teacher. She dedicated 20 years working at Housel Middle School in Prosser from 2003 to 2023.

Vicky's knack for teaching, however, started well before her career at HMS. The amount of young lives she has impacted officially began in 1993 when she became the director and teacher of Messiah Lutheran Preschool, a program that she personally started and continues to be successful to this day. During that time at Messiah Lutheran Church she was also a Sunday School teacher, choir director, children's hand-bell instructor and organist.

Vicky's life was a melody filled with the music she loved. From a young age, she mastered the piano and guitar, and in yet another display of teaching, spent many years leading piano lessons for neighbor kids, nieces, and nephews and later teaching guitar in a before-school program at Housel. Watching Vicky perform, though, was definitely something special. She played in bands such as The Traveling Shoes, Rattlesnake Rangers, Black Velvet, and Vicky and The Velvetones, where she'd sing and play a variety of instruments. Music was definitely a family affair, something she and her husband Kevin both shared a passion for and something she passed on to all of her children who would frequently join in at public performances or living room jam sessions. There was rarely a family event that didn't include a guitar and singing, and her voice will be a cherished memory.

The only thing Vicky loved more than music was her family. She was an amazing Wife, Mother to 5, Step-mother to 2, Grandma to 14 and Great-Grandma to 1. Her grandchildren were her world. Vicky could regularly be found at any of their extracurricular events and was always their biggest cheerleader. The love she had for all of them was palpable and the love she received in return was what gave her strength.

Vicky is survived by her husband, Kevin Cravens; children, Jesse Cox, Jasmine Cox, Jason Cox, Emily Cox, and Steven Cox; stepchildren, Cory Cravens and Delaney Grant; grandchildren, Allison, Josephine, Juliet, Charlotte, Parker, Jenika, Carter, Jaxson, Cash, Ruby, Wren, Ryder, Rhone and Ronan; and great-grandson, Julian. Vicky also leaves behind her brothers, Glenn Parker, Kelly Parker, and Wesley Parker; sister, Jacque Parker; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Betty Parker; brother, Lon Parker; and niece, Lacy Kitchens.

A ceremony to celebrate Vicky's life will be held at New Vintage Church on November 30th at 11 am, located at 2610 N Columbia Center Blvd, Richland, WA 99352. A musical celebration and "jam session" featuring family, past band members, and friends will follow at Pasco Eagles Club, 2829 W Sylvester St, Pasco, WA 99301. Mueller's Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time.

Vicky's legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion will continue to inspire and resonate with all who knew her.