Vicki Soha Cushing Obituary (1938 - 2021)

Funeral services for Vicki Cushing will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Monday, August 2, 2021 beginning at 1:00 PM MST. If viewing this broadcast from a mobile device, the Facebook App is required. If you are viewing this broadcast on a desktop computer, a Facebook account is not required. To watch this service, please click on the link below. Click HERE to view Funeral Services for Vicki Cushing We said goodbye to our sweet mother, grandmother, sister, and friend early Wednesday morning, July 28. She lived a life of selflessness, industry, kindness, joy, and chocolate. Vicki was born in Glasgow, Montana on December 23, 1938 to Drucilla Irene Mutz and John Soha, as a descendent of rough and tumble frontiers men and women who dabbled in bootlegging and cattle thieving. Her father was working as a locomotive mechanic on the Fort Peck Dam. As the oldest of five, she grew up tending her younger brothers and sisters on a farm in Sims, Montana. Vicki was a pioneer in her family. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 12 after attending Primary for several years at the invitation of a friend and neighbor. When Vicki was in junior high school, her family left the farm in Sims and moved to Great Falls, Montana, where her father built the family a house. She was well liked in high school where she played the lead in school productions and was nominated for Round-up Queen. During her senior year of high school, Vicki served as a stake missionary. Her companion was equally young, and they were very effective at reactivating people and sharing the gospel. In 1956 Vicki went to BYU on a drama scholarship. She loved college and went to work at the Daily Universe where she received an award as the Outstanding Freshman. Vicki met Jim (James Francis) their senior year they were married on June 14, 1962. After graduation, Vicki went to work at the juvenile court in Salt Lake City. At the time, she looked so young that people were often confused as to whether she was a member of the staff or one of the kids. Vicki and Jim bought a house in what is now the Millcreek area and settled down to have their family. 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 preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sandra, brother Greg (Pam Henderson), and her sweetheart of almost 60 years, Jim, who died seven years ago. Vicki is remembered as always doing three things at once. One of those things was usually cooking for a crowd. She was an avid reader and life-long learner. Vicki worked on a masters of social work degree, researched her travel destinations, and took art classes. No holiday or event was too minor to celebrate with a full party. She continued to love the theater. She shared her love of theater, education, adventure, and seeing the world with her children and 12 grandchildren. Vicki went back to the juvenile court where she worked until her retirement. She worked in a number of roles during her time there, but her focus was always working for the best interest of the kids who were part of the system. After retirement, Vicki served a Church Educational Service mission with Jim and Kate at San Diego State & Claremont University institutes from 2000-2001. She and Jim also served in the Jordan River Temple together for many years. During the last years of her husband’s life, she lovingly served and supported him through his declining physical and cognitive health complications. Her example of Christ-like love left a profound impact on everyone lucky enough to witness it. Vicki lived a life of service to her family and friends, in the temple, in her congregation, and in her community. But she also lived a life of fun and adventure. Even when confined to her bed she would ask what was next, what was the next big thing? She epitomized the quote of G.B. Hinckley (which she insisted her whole family hang in their homes): “In all of living have much fun and enjoyment. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe in South Jordan (1007 W 10400 S) on Sunday evening, August 1, from 6 until 8 pm. There will be another viewing Monday, August 2, from 12 to12:45 at the Church of Jesus Christ River 2nd Ward chapel (1540 W 10400 S). A brief service will be held at 1:00 pm, followed by the internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 S Highland Drive). We will return to the chapel for a celebration of her life. Services can also be viewed via Facebook Live, to view, click on the link that will be posted at the top of this page just prior to the start of the service.