Vicki Lea Kleine (née Thompson), 67, of Shawnee, KS, passed away on July 28, 2024, in Overland Park, KS after several years of declining health. Born on May 14, 1957, in Kansas City, Kansas, Vicki was raised by her loving grandparents and was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area.
Vicki dedicated her life to her family as a loving homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter and love. Her fiery spirit and big, kind heart were the cornerstone of her existence. She had an exceptional talent for making everything around her beautiful, which was evident in her cooking and her artistic hobbies. There was not an art or craft that she didn’t have a natural knack for and excelled in crocheting, painting, and sewing. She loved being outdoors, whether it was swimming, gardening, or simply enjoying nature. She had an easy laugh and incredible ability to find the humor in most mundane life circumstances, which she passed on to both of her daughters. Her love and dedication to family were apparent; she played the role of "caretaker" to many over the course of her life at various times.
Vicki is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Donald Kleine; daughters, Heide Justice and Jessica Kleine; step-son, Elijah Kleine; son-in-laws Justin Justice and Matthew Moore; beloved grandchildren, Jameson and Halen Justice; sister, Michelle Schier; brother, Dwight Thompson; nephews Michael Ingram and Mark Loomis; niece Karen Padelli (with whom she shared a close bond); sister-in-law, Dagmar Wenner; brother-in-law, Lance Wenner; niece, Suzanne Thomas, and nephew-in-law Jose Thomas-Richards. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Toni Loomis; son, David Hale; grandparents, Hazel and Clyde Hamm as well as father-in-law Horst Kleine, mother-in-law Irene Kleine, and brother-in-law Wolfgang Kleine.
A gathering to honor Vicki's life and legacy will be held at the Kansas City Kansas Moose Lodge #1999, located at 6621 Turner Dr, Kansas City, KS, on August 11th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Vicki can be made to the Great Plains SPCA, an organization close to her heart due to her love of animals (dogs in particular). Donations can be made online at https://www.greatplainsspca.org/donate.
Vicki dealt with a multitude of health issues over the past three years that left her bound to a hospital bed and ventilator. The family asks that you do something that brings you joy with those you love in Vicki's memory - we believe this is what she would want most for the friends and family she leaves behind. Her legacy of warmth, strength, and selflessness will continue to guide and inspire those who knew and loved her.