Vicki Kay Stanford

Vicki K. Stanford, 83, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in the loving care of her daughter, Terri, at her home.

Born on May 23, 1943, in Anderson, Indiana, Vicki was the daughter of Robert and Crystal Fischer.

She is survived by her daughter, Terri Rinker; her grandson, Eric Schildtknecht, fiancé Katie; son-in-law Carl Schildtknecht, her great-grandchildren; and her special niece, Robin Fulkrod, whom Vicki loved as a daughter. Over the years, she became a second mother to Robin and a cherished grandmother to Robin's sons, Scott Fulkrod and Brian Fulkrod, and his wife, McKenzie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Crystal Fischer; her precious daughter, Sherri Schildtknecht; her grandson, Steven Smock; her sister, Sharon Fischer Fulkrod; and her husband, Spencer Judd.

To know Vicki was to know kindness.

She was first and foremost a devoted mother. Nothing brought her greater foy than her children, and she loved her daughters, Terri and Sherri, with all her heart. Her love was patient, generous, and unwavering. A steady presence that shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to call her Mom.

Vicki graduated as the salutatorian of Lapel High School. True to her humble nature, she would always laugh and remind people that it was "a small school." While she worked incredibly hard for her accomplishments, she never sought recognition for them.

Throughout her career, Vicki served her community in banking at First Savings, later as a real estate broker with Faye Landes Real Estate, and in the insurance industry with Surbaugh and Sons. She earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike through her intelligence, honesty, and genuine concern for others. She also dedicated many years in serving as a volunteer at Community Hospital Anderson.

As a young woman, she enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the choir, riding horses, and spending treasured time with her extended family in Arcola, Illinois, and Kokomo, Indiana. Those who knew her remember her quick smile and wit, gentle spirit, and the ease with which she made others feel welcome. While Vicki's quiet kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met, those closest to her will also remember how much fun she was to be around.

Life tested Vicki in ways many people could scarcely imagine. She endured profound personal loss, including the heartbreaking loss of her beloved sister, the passing of her daughter and grandson, difficult seasons in her personal life, and a cardiac arrest that resulted in a brain injury. She faced the enormous task of learning to feed herself, walk again, and eventually drive. As she had done throughout her life, she approached each challenge with determination, courage, and quiet perseverance.

She never asked, "Why me?" Instead, she simply kept moving forward.

Despite every hardship she endured, Vicki never became bitter. She continued to see the good in people, extending compassion instead of judgment and forgiveness instead of resentment. Her gentle heart remained unchanged by life's greatest trials, becoming one of her most remarkable gifts to everyone around her.

Vicki's greatest legacy is not found in her accomplishments, but in the example she left behind. She showed her family that strength can be quiet, faith can be steadfast, and love can be a daily choice. Those who knew her will remember a woman whose heart remained soft, whose spirit remained hopeful, and whose kindness and joy for life never wavered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Vicki's life during the visitation on Wednesday, July 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at Main Street Church of God in Anderson. A funeral service honoring her life will begin immediately following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Community Hospital Anderson Foundation, Main Street Church of God, or Stillwaters Adult Day Center in Indianapolis. 

Bozell Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lapel Chapel has been entrusted to the services for Vicki.