Vicki Soha Cushing
1938 ~ 2021
We said goodbye to our sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend early Wednesday morning, July 28th. She lived a life full of selflessness, hard work, kindness, joy and chocolate.
Vicki was born on December 23, 1938 in Glasgow, Montana, the daughter of Drucilla Irene Mutz and John Soha, descendants of men and women from rough and stormy borders who engaged in smuggling and cattle theft. Her father worked as a locomotive mechanic at Fort Peck Dam. The oldest of five children, she grew up on a farm in Sims, Montana, with her younger siblings. Vicki was a pioneer in her family. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 12 after having attended Primary for several years at the invitation of a friend and neighbor.
When Vicki was in junior high school, her family left the Sims farm and moved to Great Falls, Montana, where her father built the family a house. She was very popular in high school where she starred in school productions and was nominated for Round-up Queen. Vicki served as a stake missionary during her senior year in high school. Their companion was young as well, and they were very effective at reactivating people and sharing the gospel.
In 1956 Vicki went to BYU with an acting scholarship. She loved college and worked at the Daily Universe where she received an Outstanding Freshman Award. Vicki met Jim (James Francis) their senior year when they were married on June 14, 1962.
After graduation, Vicki worked at the Salt Lake City Juvenile Court. She looked so young at the time that one was often confused as to whether she was an employee or one of the children.
Vicki and Jim bought a house in what is now the Millcreek area and settled there to raise their families. She is survived by Kirsten (Greg Lewis), Polla, Andy (Becky Hebdon), Jon (Nicole Hunter) and Kate. She is also survived by her brother Bill (Vicki Waagen) and sister Sue (Keith Rohrer) and her parents, sister Sandra, brother Greg (Pam Henderson) and her lover Jim, who is nearly 60, who has died, ahead of her death seven years ago.
Vicki remembers doing three things at the same time. One of those things was usually cooking for a crowd. She was a passionate reader and lifelong learner. Vicki did a Masters in Social Work, researched her travel destinations, and attended art classes. No holiday or event was too small to celebrate with a full party. She continued to love the theater. She shared her love for theater, education, adventure and seeing the world with her children and 12 grandchildren.
Vicki went back to the juvenile court, where she worked until she retired. During her time there, she worked in a number of roles, but her focus has always been on working in the best interests of the children who were part of the system.
After her retirement, Vicki served a Church Educational Service mission with Jim and Kate at the Institutes of San Diego State & Claremont University from 2000 to 2001. She and Jim also served together in the Jordan Temple for many years. During the final years of her husband’s life, she has served him lovingly and assisted him with his decreasing physical and cognitive health problems. Their example of Christ-like love made a deep impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it.
Vicki lived a life of service to her family and friends, in the temple, in her ward, and in her ward. But she also lived a life of fun and adventure. Even when she was tied to her bed, she asked what was next, what was the next big thing? She embodied the quote from GB Hinckley (who she insisted that her whole family hang in their homes): “In all life there is much fun and joy. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
A visit will take place on Sunday evening, August 1st, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Jenkins-Soffe in southern Jordan (1007 W 10400 S). On Monday, August 2, from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m., there will be another visit to the chapel of the 2nd district of the Church of Jesus Christ River (1540 W 10400 S). There will be a short service at 1:00 p.m. followed by internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 S Highland Drive). We will return to the chapel to celebrate their life.
To offer condolences online or to see the service live, visit www.jenkins-soffe.com
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Published by Deseret News from July 30th to July 31st, 2021.
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