No headline

Vicki Bird, 68

Vicki Lee (Sylte) Bird passed away Jan. 19, 2017, in Post Falls, Idaho. She was the second daughter of Chet and Betty (Gray) Sylte, born on July 13, 1948. She was raised in Rathdrum and was an example of her heritage. Norwegian and Irish, she could be stubborn and block-headed, yet generous and kind.

Vicki had relationships throughout her lifetime but her true partner in life was her sister, Sharon. They were born about 18 months apart and from the beginning their names were one and the same, “Sharon and Vicki.” They went out into the world together in their 20s and while they may have ventured apart for awhile, they would always return to each other throughout their lifetimes. They shared more time together than apart, much of it spent in the family home. They both suffered from Myotonic Dystrophy and their disabilities from this disease shaped their lives profoundly. As a team, they faced their physical hardships together. Sharon passed away unexpectedly and all were concerned how Vicki would do on her own. She surprised everyone. She forged her own way, her own life, and had friends and family that filled her days in this last decade.

Vicki attended Living Water Church where she engaged in church activities, relished in friendships and had community that encouraged her and kept her spirits up. A joy in her life was niece, Pamela Lookabill. Vicki did not have children of her own, but Pam, Sharon’s daughter, more than filled that role. Another great love and comfort to her was the Sylte clan. Cousins included her in family gatherings, took her to lunch, shared family triumphs, and took her up to the “ranch.”

Vicki is survived by her sister, Debbie Anderson (Scott); niece Pamela Lookabill (Leslie); nephew Taylor Anderson (Sarah); niece Brittany Anderson; special cousin Bob Jordan; and numerous relatives from the Sylte and Gray families.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Burial will follow at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum. You may visit Vicki’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.