Vicki Sue (Curtis) Harrold, 65, Akron, entered eternal rest at 9:56 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, after a six-week battle with COVID-19.

Vicki Harrold

Vicki was born on Feb. 5, 1955, in Rochester to Ralph E. and Peggy L. (Wagoner) Curtis. She graduated from Akron High School in 1973 and furthered her education at Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne.

Vicki and Richard A. Harrold joined their life together 43 years ago on May 21, 1977, at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church in Akron. She and Richard shared a hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and this was the foundation on which they built their life. They were blessed with the birth of a son, Jason, who with his wife, Tonia, gave the couple their three beloved grandchildren who were the light of Vicki and Richard’s life.

Family traditions and her home were of great importance to her. She cherished days spent with her grandchildren, watching their soccer games, swimming in the pool and going on their home-school field trips. The family enjoyed many trips to attend tractor shows. A walk through Vicki’s home revealed many of her passions. She was a collector, from Jason and Dick’s John Deere tractors and Indy 500 memorabilia, to Longaberger baskets and cherished antiques, which included many family pieces.

Vicki loved music of all kinds from sacred to rock ‘n’ roll. Even in high school, she was known as a wonderful soloist in the choir and in school musicals. The love of music continued as she become active in the church again, singing solos for all events and duets with Lori Miller.

The music for VBS and the Kings Kids program at Beaver Dam Church was another great love in her life. She spent hours putting together music for the children that would be fun and inspiring as her desire was to have EVERY child know about Jesus and have music touch their hearts in a very special way. She was also in charge of the music ministry for the church, selecting music for services and special occasions.

In addition to her love for music, Vicki loved children and taught Sunday school classes for many years. Her desire to serve God in any way that she could led her to lead the UMW ladies in the annual “Apple Dumpling Day” at church. She organized the project where they often made 700 apple dumplings. Vicki was also well known for her yearly gifts of homemade Christmas rings to friends and family. The production of which had involved every member of the family over the years and was carried on by her family in her honor during her hospital stay.

Vicki worked several years for many businesses and organizations: Farmers State Bank, First United Methodist Church, Harris Drugs, Webb’s Family Pharmacy, Tippecanoe Valley Middle School and Fulton County United Way. From these associations, she made many lifelong friends. Friends were valued by Vicki, and she was always willing to do anything she could to come to their aid, until you were challenging her in a game of cards or a dance-off to Chubby Checker’s 1960s song “The Twist.” Then it was every man for himself.

Surviving Vicki are her husband, Richard A. Harrold, Akron; son Jason (spouse Tonia), Akron; three grandchildren, Noah, Madelyn and Sophia Harrold, Akron; sister Marsha Arnett, Rochester; brother Steve (spouse Johanna) Curtis, Rochester; nieces Shannon (spouse Fred) McGlothin, Rochester, Lindsey (spouse Ryan) Reese, Rochester, and Kim (spouse Danny) Hodge, Oklahoma; and nephews Nathan Arnett, Silver Lake, and Eric (spouse Lisa) Gray, Kokomo.

Vicki was preceded in death by her father, Ralph E. Curtis  Jr., on Nov. 23, 2018, and her mother, Peggy L. Curtis, on Dec. 8, 2020.

A public graveside service will be conducted at Nichols Cemetery, 950 South (off of North SR 19), Akron, on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. officiated by Pastor Butch Troke of the Beaver Dam United Methodist Church. There will be a celebration of life held at a late date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Vicki, memorial contributions may be made to “Wheels on Fire,” C/O Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, 9798 W. 1000 S., Akron, IN 46910, or Fulton County United Way, 720 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.

Online condolences may be expressed at earllovefuneralhome.com. The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Vicki S. Harrold.