Vicki Steele Williams

Vicki Williams passed away peacefully on August 21, 2021 after an incredible life of making others’ lives better. Born in 1944, Vicki was raised in Tennessee and Alabama, and later graduated from Auburn University with a teaching degree in elementary education and a Spanish degree.

Drawn to the west, Vicki met the love of her life, Emmett, while they both worked summer jobs at Yellowstone National Park. Emmett proposed before summer’s end and they married later that year.

Vicki and Emmett lived in the mountain west throughout their marriage and raised two children, Monte and Mysti. Vicki loved the beauty of the majestic mountain ranges of the west and the unique wildlife, which often were her favorite themes captured in her numerous craft projects.

Vicki taught elementary education in UT and WY --- and, she was passionate about inspiring children to achieve their full academic potential. She often spent evenings and weekends developing new projects and creative approaches to help elevate her students’ learning experiences. Her colleagues also recognized her commitment to exemplary teaching and nominated her on two occasions for “Teacher of the Year”.

Vicki's greatest moment came when she returned to Yellowstone and became a park ranger during the summer of 1988. She proudly wore the park ranger uniform and her skills were quickly put to the test during the Yellowstone fires of 1988. She worked an additional summer in Yellowstone as a ranger, and through her experiences, she had many animated stories to share regarding the interesting people she encountered, including occasional challenging tourists who didn’t want to follow park rules.

Throughout retirement, Vicki and Emmett returned to Yellowstone annually to camp and wildlife watch. Vicki enjoyed observing, from afar, the activities of grizzly and black bears, as well as the antics of their annual offspring, as they emerged from hibernation in late spring. Also, she never grew tired of observing bison, moose, elk, and other Yellowstone wildlife.

Vicki’s favorite hobbies were quilting, reading a wide genre of books and spending time with family and friends. Vicki loved creating quilts and she was always seen with a craft bag in tow, working on projects during every spare moment. She fiercely loved her pets through the years and cherished her beloved Shih Tzus.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, played a large role in her life. Lupus made life difficult for Vicki, but she never complained and lived life fully. "Mother Bear" worried about the welfare of her family and friends and not the terrible disease that affected her.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Emmett, son, Monte and his wife, Carol Beth, daughter Mysti Horwath and her husband, Jerry, and their children, Jared, Jason, and Anna. She was greatly loved and adored by her husband, children and grandchildren and she will forever be a role model and inspiration to each of them.

No formal services will be held.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.