Vicki Lynne Markham

Vicki Lynne Markham, age 59, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Robert "Bob" Bakken and Nancy (Buchholz) Bakken; her grandson, Jensen Hicks; and her fiancé, Mike Bromley. She is survived by her children, Melissa Hicks, Meghan Bakken, and Peyton Markham; her brother, Rory Bakken; and her four beloved grandchildren, Camden Bettinger, Brysen Hicks, Kambrie Hicks, and Olivia Hicks, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Vicki was born on March 14, 1966, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Robert and Nancy Bakken. Her childhood took her from Jamestown to Baker, Montana, and later to Beulah, North Dakota, where she graduated from high school. After high school, her family moved to Argonia, Kansas, where Vicki began the journey that would shape her future. Determined and hardworking, Vicki balanced raising her daughters, while pursuing higher education at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating with honors-a testament to her perseverance and love of learning.

In 1994, Vicki moved to Garnett, Kansas, where she began her career as an English and Theatre Arts teacher at Anderson County Junior-Senior High School. She devoted her entire professional life to ACJSHS, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. Vicki deeply loved her colleagues and students and greeted each school year with enthusiasm, and a fresh start.

In 1999, Vicki married Steven J. Markham, and together they welcomed a son, Peyton Markham. Later in life, Vicki reconnected with longtime friend Michael "Mike" Bromley. They shared many years of companionship and adventure and were engaged before Mike tragically passed.

Beyond the classroom, Vicki was a pillar of the Garnett community and a passionate champion of the arts. She was an active member of the Optimist Club and enjoyed serving burgers for many community events. She also contributed many years to the Chamber Players Community Theatre where she achieved numerous awards as an actor and director and became one of the longest serving board members in CPCT history. Through her work with school productions and the Chamber Players, she helped build generations of actors, directors, and storytellers. More importantly, she encouraged countless students and friends to step onto the stage-often for the very first time-instilling confidence, courage, and a lifelong appreciation for theatre. Her own love of the stage was infectious, and many found their voice because she believed in them.

Vicki had a story for everyone she met. She lived a colorful life filled with adventure, curiosity, and connection. She had a rare gift for befriending anyone she encountered and made people feel instantly welcome. Always ready for an outing, a conversation, or the next adventure, Vicki lived each day with an unmistakable sparkle and shared that joy freely with others.

Vicki will be remembered for her wit, her generosity of spirit, her love of literature and performance, her stories, her sneeze you were sure to hear from a mile away, her outgoing personality and her unwavering belief in people. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, students, and the countless lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Ray Meyer Gymnasium, Garnett, Kansas. Vicki's family will greet friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., on Friday, February 6, 2026, at The Chamber Players Community Theater, Garnett, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Vicki Markham Memorial Scholarship and can be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.