VICTORIA KAY (MARTIN) JUDKINS Obituary (1944

Vickie Kay Judkins, 72, left her earthly home to join her heavenly father on August 21, 2016. Vickie was born May 6, 1944 in Portland, OR, the youngest of four children of Kenneth and Mary Martin. Vickie grew up in Oregon City-Gladstone and graduated from Oregon City High School with the Class of 1962. She was an outgoing student and cheerleader, growing up alongside her niece, Teryl, who was more like a sister, given they were only a few years apart in age. Vickie married John Ray Karbo in November 1962 and to that union was born her son, John, and daughter, Josiane. Vickie moved to Troy and Libby, Montana in August of 1972. Although a city girl at heart, Montana captured her heart and it is there she remained for the next 44 years. Vickie was in the restaurant business for many years and owned/managed many of the area's landmark establishments including the Silver Spur, The Big Bend, The Caboose, Adams & Company and her crowning glory, Adams Rib & Seafood. She opened The Smoke Shack in 1990. With boundless energy and enthusiasm, Vickie greeted many customers throughout the years; many of whom became dear and trusted friends. Her many employees over the years looked upon her as not only a great boss, but a true friend. Vickie had a God given talent to make all she touched beautiful and homey. From her businesses to her own home, her personality resonated with the beautiful antiques and personal touches she put into her surroundings. Her friends and family, and especially her granddaughters, always looked at her home as a place of comfort and solace. Although petite in stature, Vickie was a powerhouse of moral strength and tenacity when it came to her passions. She vehemently stood up for and protected the things she believed in. Whether it be her own children or grandchildren or the century old trees that grace her home--she was once arrested for blocking their removal--a fact she and her grandchildren are quite proud of! Thanks to her, those trees continue to flourish on Louisiana and Minnesota Avenues. Vickie was a devoted and loving mother to not only her son and daughter, whom she adored, but many of their friends and other lost souls who gravitated to her home seeking love, purpose and a sense of home. She was never surprised to get a call or a visit from those "kids" as they became adults and brought their own kids to meet the woman who so greatly impacted their lives. Whether you were an in-law, an outlaw or an ex, you knew where you stood with Vickie and she never judged based on the past. Vickie's greatest joy was sharing in the lives of her children and grandchildren and most recently her great granddaughter. She was an integral facet in all of their lives, sharing in their successes and being a mentor, a voice of reason or a comforting ally in times of adversity. She proved that distance was never an excuse to weaken the bond she shared with her girls. She was present in all of their life experiences and they knew "Gram" was supporting them even if she wasn't there physically. That will not change in her death. Her presence and guidance will forever remain in the hearts and souls of those closest to her. Even Vickie would have a hard time counting the number of pets she'd had over the years. The fact that most of them exceeded their life expectancy is a testament to the love and care she provided to her fury and feathered babies. The death of each of them was felt with profound loss and sadness. How very lucky each of them were to have chosen Vickie as their human mom. And how very blessed are those of us that had Vickie in our lives. Although she lost the battle with a disease that knows no mercy, she fought it with an unwavering strength and never allowed it to undermine her positive outlook, nor did she allow any person to bring her down with tears or pity. She thanks her team of doctors and nurses, some of whom became dear friends, for their untiring efforts and support throughout this final journey. Shed no tears, she just wouldn't want that. Live life to fullest and enjoy every moment, as she did. Vickie is survived by her son, John Lamorie (Michelle), of Dacono, CO; son-in-law, Terry Donahoe of Sandpoint, ID; former daughter in-law, Terri Carpenter (Garry) of Cheyenne, WY; granddaughters, Megan Scott of Seattle, WA; Connor Lamorie of Jacksonville, FL; Madison Lamorie of Satellite Beach, FL; McColloh Lamorie of Denver, CO; Lexie Palaniuk and her husband, Eric Yarbro of Wahiawa, HI; and great granddaughter, Ivory Lamorie Pearce of Satellite Beach, FL; her nieces, Teryl Volkober of Camas, WA and Cindy Jameson of Tarpon Springs, FL, as well as numerous friends who, along with her family, will miss her immensely. Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kermit and Keith; sister Janie; and daughter, Josiane Lamorie-Donahoe in 2012. Private arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Donations in her memory may be made to Wings, a local Libby cancer support system that was very dear to Vickie's heart Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.