FREDONIA — Vicky Jean (Darby) Speaks, 79, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center.She was born Oct. 27, 1946, in Velasco, Texas.
While visiting her grandparents in Fredonia, she met the love of her life, Dennis Speaks, while cruising the Fredonia Square. The couple married Nov. 14, 1964, and she graduated from Fredonia High School the following year.
They had three children, Troy, Tracy and Stephanie, and shared many years of love and family memories. Together they enjoyed time spent fishing, visiting Surfside Beach and the Galveston Seawall, relaxing at Lake Fagan, and summers at Shorty’s and Indian Creek.
Speaks had a passion for antiques and history. She also dedicated herself to helping others through her leadership in the Independent Living Program, where she presented at the state conference.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis of Fredonia; children, Troy and Kimberly of McAlester, Oklahoma; Tracy of Chanute; and Stephanie of Fredonia; siblings, Carolyn Mrkwa and David (Carolyn) Darby, both of Fredonia; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Darby and Virginia (Frantzen) LaRue, and her stepfather, Glen LaRue.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at The Venue, 1200 N. Second St., Fredonia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fredonia Food Bank. Donations may be mailed or dropped off at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 510 N. Seventh St., Fredonia, KS, 66736.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
