Vicki Louise Mandery, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025. Born on October 28, 1948, to Donald E. Garris and Norma Jean “Bridge” Higgins, Vicki grew up in the close-knit community of Tecumseh, Nebraska—a place that would remain at the heart of her life’s journey.

On January 21, 1966, Vicki married the love of her life, David Mandery. Together, they built their home and raised three children in Tecumseh, where Vicki’s unwavering devotion to family and community became a lasting legacy.

Vicki began her long and dedicated career at Johnson County Hospital on March 1, 1979. Her work ethic, kindness, and leadership touched the lives of many over the decades. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was honored as “Caring Kind” by the Nebraska Hospital Association in 2005. The following year, she was a finalist for Nebraska Custodial Supervisor of the Year through the International Executive Housekeepers Association, Inc.—a testament to her professionalism and commitment.

After more than three decades of service, Vicki retired from JCH on December 20, 2013. But retirement did not slow her down. She continued to pour her energy into the things she loved most: sewing, baking, gardening, and, most of all, caring for her children and grandchildren. Her home was a haven of comfort, filled with the scent of fresh bread, the colors of blooming flowers, and the laughter of family.

Vicki is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, David Mandery of Tecumseh; her children, Michael (Dea) Mandery of Lincoln, Laura (Bob) Kroll of Milligan, and Kathy Swanda of Tecumseh; and her treasured grandchildren: Jacob Kroll of Lincoln, Zachary (Audrey) Kroll of Milligan, Majken Mandery of Manhattan, KS, Hannah Swanda of LaVista, Campbell Mandery of Topeka, KS, Emma Swanda of Lincoln, and Quinlan Mandery of Lincoln, and Great grandchildren, Annabelle Claire Kroll and Jaxx David Kroll of Milligan. 

She is also survived by her siblings, David (Pat) Garris of Nebraska City, Jerry (Arnette) Garris of Lincoln, Sheila (Jim) Reed of Tecumseh, Tom (Lori) Garris of Raymond, and Tim (Tracy) Garris of Joplin, MO.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Donald E. Garris and Norma “Bridge” Higgins.

Her life was a beautiful example of service, love, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Interment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.