Vicki Ann (Orthengren) Howard

Vicki Ann Howard age 61 of Amarillo was welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Vicki’s life will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of St. Paul United Methodist Church.  The Rev. Perry Hunsaker will officiate.

Vicki entered in to this world on November 29, 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska to her parents Ivan and Arlayne Monia Orthengren.  The family moved to Texas where Vicki graduated from Childress High School in 1979.  After graduation Vicki moved to Dallas where she attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science.  She became the first licensed woman funeral director and embalmer to work in Amarillo and began her career at Blackburn Shaw Funeral Home downtown, under the guidance of E.M. Blackburn.  Vicki worked at Schooler Funeral Home until 2018 as a pre-arrangement counselor, caring for and guiding hundreds of families with their final wishes.  She was a pioneer for women in the industry, leading with grace, integrity and strength in a career that would span over three decades.

True to her calling as a funeral professional Vicki’s primary concern was caring for those around her.  It didn’t matter who you were, if Vicki thought she could fill a need she tried her best. She was an all or nothing kind of girl and she never entered into anything unless she knew she could devote 110 percent of herself.  Throughout her life, she left the funeral industry at times, but always found herself in careers in which she excelled at because of her caring nature, attention to detail and professionalism.  After leaving the funeral industry in 2018 she had begun a new career with Hallmark as an area supervisor where she worked until her health declined.

Vicki was a multifaceted individual; having diverse talents and interest.  Her greatest loves were God, family, animals, and dolls.    To say that she liked dolls may have been a bit of an understatement, she was passionate about them and had an extensive collection.  She was a founding member of the Panhandle Pink Dreams Doll Club and a member of Doll Friends of Amarillo.  She cultivated many friendships through the doll world.  She also was a member of the Sandstorm Ornament Club. Her puppies were very special to her and she was never without a four legged companion.  Family, Vicki gave so much of herself to others and seemingly always had more to give to her family.  She was deeply devoted and committed to them.  Her love and devotion that she had for Asa was unsurpassed.  They understood each other and supported one another unconditionally.  The couple married on December 24, 2000 but had been together over 33 years.  Together, they built a life that would be an inspiration to others.  Asa and Vicki were members of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she was very involved and led bible study and grief classes.  It was through their faith that they found the courage to battle her disease and the peace needed to endure.  Vicki loved fiercely and fought valiantly.   She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife and friend who made the world a brighter place.  Her presence will be forever missed.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Kinder Hearts Hospice for their care and support given to Vicki.

Vicki was preceded in death by her father, Ivan Orthengren.

She is survived by her husband Asa Howard; her mother Arlayne Orthengren; her two brothers, Alan Orthengren and his wife Karen and Bruce Orthengren and his wife Joelle; and her nephews, David, Stephen, Cory and Trey.