LOOMAN, Vicki Sharon

Vicki Sharon Madson Looman, 54, passed away on Saturday May 3, 2003. She died peacefully at home with dignity and grace. She was born in Amherst, Texas on June 9, 1948 the daughter of Dora Lou Hayhurst and Walter J. Madson Jr. Vicki moved to Phoenix with her family in fifth grade and attended Ocotillo grade school and graduated from Washington High School in 1968. She attended ASU, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Education. Vicki was an educator for over 25 years spending 24 of those years employed by Glendale Union High School District. She spent most of those years at Thunderbird High School where, over time, she taught Math and English to thousands of students. Her first love was English. She was an animated teacher, who influenced those in her classes to achieve their goals and several went on to become teachers themselves, crediting her specifically as their inspiration. Some of her favorite students were those who were hard to reach. She made them believe that they had a voice and could achieve their loftiest goals. Her second love was sewing. She belonged to a group called Sewing for Babies, whose mission is to make infant clothing for premature babies. She became involved with this group after her grandson passed away in November of 2000. Vicki was a vivacious and tenacious woman who expected the best from everyone she knew. Her love knew no bounds. You knew when Vicki became your friend, you had a friend for life. She is preceded in death by her father; Walter J. Madson Jr. and her grandson, Garrett Reid Benedict. Vicki is survived by her mother, Dora Lou Madson of Rogers, AR.; daughter, Michele Benedict, son-in-law Steven and grandson Logan of Flagstaff, AZ; daughter Brittany Shea Cross, son-in-law Brian and grandsons Caleb, Parker and Jaden of Surprise, AZ; sister Jonnie Lou Martin of Raleigh, NC and brother Mike Madson of Rogers, AR. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at Our Lady of the Valley Chapel located at 3220 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ from 3:00-4:00 P.M. Funeral services will be immediately following. Interment will be at Citizen's Cemetery located at 800 S. Verde Street, Flagstaff, AZ on Thursday, May 8, 2003 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sewing for Babies c/o Joy Burton, 9359 W. Monroe Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Published in the Arizona Republic on 5/6/2003.