Victoria “Vicki” Joan Kauffman, 69, died January 11, 2026, at her home near Yoder. She was born September 25, 1956, in Hutchinson, to Harry and Ruth Troyer.
Vicki, the youngest of four daughters, grew up on her family’s farm and attended Yoder Grade School and Central Christian High School. She married her lifelong friend, Dale Kauffman, on June 10, 1978. After two years of marriage, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Sterling College. Vicki taught second grade at Burrton Elementary School from 1984 to 2001. In 1998 she and Dale were blessed with one daughter, Madison.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000, Vicki faced her 25-year journey with remarkable courage, never complaining, and always known for her positive spirit. Her life was rooted in an unwavering faith in Jesus, which she lived out through prayer, service, and creativity. Throughout her life Vicki faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and youth sponsor. When her mobility became limited, she shared her gifts through delicate handmade cards, scrapbooks, and crafts which touched hundreds of people’s lives. Vicki will be remembered for her deep faith, gentle heart, and the many lives she quietly blessed.
Survivors include: her husband, Dale; daughter, Madison Decker and husband Sam; sister, Mary Lawson; brother-in-law, Steve Sears, all of Hutchinson; and multiple nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Harry and Ruth Troyer; sisters, Verda Rempel and LaVera Sears; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Beachy and Darriel Rempel.
Vicki chose to be cremated and a Celebration of Life service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Journey@Yoder Mennonite Church Activity Center, 3605 E. Longview Rd., with Pastors Dr. Joseph Manickam and Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg presiding. The family will have a private interment.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, January 13 – 16, at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends following the service at Journey@Yoder Activity Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arelti, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Arelti is a nonprofit organization dedicated to walking with the poor and works with indigenous communities to foster hope, primarily along the Thailand-Burma border.