Vickie Marie Pool

“God Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change…Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference…”

Vickie Marie Wolter Pool, born August 12, 1946, in Long Beach, CA, of Clarence Edward Jr and Betty Rae Wolter, went out like the rockstar that she always was on the Fourth of July 2023.

Vickie attended Catholic school in her youth until her rebellious side of wearing orange lipstick would get her dismissed. She graduated from Mayfair High School in Lakewood, CA in 1964, where she was known by her nickname “Farkie Alter” which her sister Lori Wolter would give because Vickie Wolter was too difficult for her to say.

When Vickie was 20 years old, she met Gary King of Tustin, CA and the two would purchase a 1946 US Mail delivery van and set out for what would be an 18-year adventure. First stop would be San Francisco, where they would embrace van life, living on bologna sandwiches and TAB soda. It was during this time that she would give birth to her son, Jesse Rae King in the fall of 1968, going into labor at the last Janis Joplin-Big Brother & Holding Co. concert. Eventually, the young family would make their way to Pocatello, ID, where they would become well-known in the musical enclaves of the small rural town. In the Spring of 1971, they would welcome their daughter, Sadie Lu Clover Challis King. Vickie made her family a home in the Rapid Creek Road area of Inkom, ID, at what was always referred to as “The Cabin,” until the early 1980’s, when she and Gary would divorce.

She worked at Inkom Elementary School as an aide in the Resource Room and this would initiate a career of helping those with developmental disabilities, she would run group homes and work as a hiring coordinator for Developmental Options for over 35 years.

Vickie met the true love of her life, Kirk Pool, and the two married in Downey, ID in 2000. Kirk’s two children, Michelle Pickell and James Kirkpatrick Pool, embraced Vickie’s uniqueness and shared their children openly with her. It was Shay, Chelsey, Rachel, Markelle, Braylon, Tanner, Paul, Hailey, and Hannah who would first make Vickie a Grammie. She loved each one of her 16 grandchildren and had a special connection to each one of them. There was nothing that she and Kirk enjoyed more than having any varying combination of the grandkids visiting. They shared their love of swimming at Downata Hot Springs with Jackson, Gracie, Brady, William, and Emerson.

Vickie was a wonderful quilter under the name of Buffalo Rose creating works of art for friends and family. She was an accomplished musician, playing the autoharp, and had a unique style of singing that was reminiscent of the country blue grass style of the 1940s and 50s. Recently she became inspired to perform again and joined a singing group through the Senior Center. She also encouraged her son, Jesse, to continue his natural talent and always connected and supported her grandchildren when they would show any interest on the musical level. Vickie was a dedicated learner; she was part of Book Clubs, a Grief Support Group, and a community of friends who would share their talents or skills each month. She was a hospice volunteer with Symbii, assisting those who were in their most vulnerable state. She remained an active member of AA for over 36 years in December and many of you were there to hand her a chip to honor another year of sobriety.

Vickie attended churches throughout the Valley and had a strong love for the Lord. It would be her strong faith and these friendships that would continue to lift her up and give her the strength to transition to her next chapter. She was a member of the Downey – Marsh Valley Bible Church, Malad - North Hill Christian Fellowship, and Christ’s Love Vineyard Church in Pocatello.

Vickie was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, Clarence Edward Wolter Jr, Betty Rae Wolter, uncle Donald Wolter, and her husband Kirk Pool.

She is survived by her sister, Lori Wolter Anderson (David Casper, WY), son Jesse Rae King (Elysha Inkom, ID), daughter, Sadie Lu King (Marty Cooke Pocatello, ID), sister-in-law Tina Gaved (Walt Pocatello, ID), her stepdaughter, Michelle Pickell (Stewart Lolo, MT), step-son James Kirkpatrick Pool (TeResa Pocatello, ID) niece Lisa King (San Juan Island, WA), niece Kim Troescher (Bill Willard, UT), niece Donnell (Wade Linden, UT), niece Whitney Gaved (Pocatello, ID) nephew Travis Gaved (Courtney Elgin AZ) 16 Grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

The family of Vickie Pool would like to thank the staff at Dr. Bailey’s office, the staff at PMC – ICU, and the pilot and crew of Life-Flight, and we appreciate the kindness and professionalism of the staff at the University of Utah.

Please join us on Thursday, July 13 for the viewing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho from 5:00pm -7:00pm.

The Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 14, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the tribute wall tab above.