Vicki Jane Newkirk, 73 of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away at her home on January 26, 2026, after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

Vicki was born on July 23, 1952, and was a resident of Washington Court House, graduating from Miami Trace High School in 1970. She retired from the State of Ohio Industrial Commission, where she took great pride assisting the doctors and attorneys as a claim examiner for Workers Compensation.

She married her husband, Paul on September 4,1982 and spent more than 43 years making wonderful memories together and if we're being honest, driving each other crazy in the best of ways. Paul was her best friend, his love for her was unwavering and unconditional; he doted on her during their years together. They loved traveling, annually visiting the Smoky Mountains to enjoy the colorful fall foliage, also venturing to Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina as some of their most loved destinations. Every morning before her retirement, he prepared her coffee, warmed her car, and always kept her gas tank full so she wouldn't have to do it herself. He continued spoiling her after retirement and throughout this last year of illness, comforting her to the very end. She loved watching football with Paul, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, (although he often watched a few too many games for her liking), as well as basketball and boxing. A line from their favorite song "You're all I'll ever need" describes the two of them perfectly.

In addition to her husband, Paul, left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Kelli Chrisman-Leach (Nicholas) of Fort Mill, SC, children by marriage: Troy (Wavalyn) Newkirk of Greenfield, OH, Tonya (Rodney) Throckmorton of Sundance, WY, and Jamie Nagy of Cincinnati, OH. Grandchildren: Breana Leach, Ian Leach, Heather (Jacob) Ramsey, Joshua (Becky) Throckmorton, Clair (Trey) McDaniel, Grace Throckmorton, Trevor Newkirk, and Trenton Newkirk. She also leaves behind two siblings: Michael Taylor and Rena Howard sisters-in-law Juanita Tucker, Jeanette (Ed) Bonzo, and brothers-in-law Roger Newkirk and Ivan Moore. She will also be missed by nieces: Amy Beadle, Becky Taylor, Tisha Tackett, and Brooke (Brad) Swango, and nephews: Jason (Jen) Moore, Shane Savage, and Chad (Tonya) Newkirk. She also leaves behind twenty great-grandchildren, aunts, cousins, and great nieces and nephews, as well as a long list of extended family and friends.

Vicki was welcomed to heaven by her parents: Betty and Elton Taylor and Charles Johnson, siblings: infant brother Ricky Johnson and her beloved sister Paula Moore – Thelma and Louise are together again. She was also reunited with sisters in law: Maurina and Dolly Newkirk, brothers in law: Keith Howard and Junior Tucker and her niece, Rita Tucker.

Now that I've satisfied the factual requirements for an obituary, let me tell you about my mom, the person she was. Like many of you, I struggle to find adequate words to describe my loved ones, because words always fall short.

As it goes in a small town where it seems everyone knows everyone, I think mom did know every single resident of Washington Court House, give or take one or two. Having dinner at The Willow with Mom looked like this: we sat at the table enjoying our food while she spent most of the time walking around greeting friends while her food got cold. It drove us crazy, but we'll certainly miss watching her make her rounds. She never met a stranger, in fact, the word "acquaintance" didn't exist in her vocabulary; if she met you once, you were a friend.

When you think of my mom, I hope you'll remember those sparkling blue eyes, her smile, and a person whose life was filled with joy from the interactions and relationships with the people around her. She loved staying in touch with everyone on Facebook, which allowed her to be social even when her health required her to spend more time at home. To all of Mom's extended family and friends, know that she was still asking about you, missed talking and texting with you, and genuinely loved and cared for you. You gave her a reason to laugh, smile, and kept her blue eyes bright and sparkling.

Memories of my early years and throughout my childhood are filled with visions of me standing on Mom's feet, as she danced with me around the house and toting me around everywhere she went. For the forty-eight years we had together, she prioritized my well-being and happiness above her own and by her example, taught me to be strong and independent. Until the very last time I saw her, I was number one in every room we were in, no matter who else was around. Her greatest joys came from being a mother and grandmother, always telling stories and proudly sharing their accomplishments with anyone who had a moment to listen.

Keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2026, from 3:00-6:00pm at The Depot on Main, 215 S. Main Street, Washington Court House. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heartland Hospice 208 N. Fayette Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Her family would like to personally thank Tracy Behm, Theresa Smith, Maria Wallace, Tracy Nichols, Laura Tyree, and Ashlea and Dan Mahorney for the exceptional care and love they provided to Vicki and her family during her illness.