Vicki J. Reed, 60, of rural LaPorte, died Thursday, April 17, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital under hospice care after a valiant battle with cancer.
She was born March 31, 1954, in Evansville, IN, to W. Garry and Johnie (Stiles) Austin.
Vicki was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. She enjoyed gardening and was very creative. Vicki loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She and her husband took several trips to visit lighthouses in the U.S.
On Sept. 20, 1975, she married William Leslie Reed, who survives.
She is also survived by two sons, Timothy (Amy) Reed of LaPorte and Jeremy Reed of South Bend, IN; eight grandchildren, Timothy W., Daniel, Dakota, Derek, Dylan and Deanna Reed, Damen Jackson, and Brittnie Sowards; her brother, Garry Austin of LaPorte; her mother, Johnie Kozor of Minneapolis, MN; her father and stepmother, W. Garry and Phyllis Austin of LaPorte; stepsisters, Carol Kozor of Minneapolis and Nancy Kozor Niggli of Switzerland; stepbrother, Mark Kozor of Minneapolis; aunts, Nancy Church and Connie Austin; nieces; nephews; cousins; her husband’s family; and three step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Mitchell Kozor; stepbrother, David Kozor; and her grandparents.
A memorial celebration of Vicki’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. A cremation committal has taken place per Vicki’s wishes.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or IU Health LaPorte Hospital VNA Hospice, 1007 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.