Virginia Wicks

Thelma Virginia Wicks started her 90 years in a Kansas City, Missouri Hospital and was adopted by her parents, Estill and Babe Elliott. She grew up in Kansas and was the Head Cheerleader, Homecoming Queen and Drum Majorette in a class of eight! She was the Drum Majorette at Southern Illinois University where she met Richard (Dick) Wicks, fell in love and had 3 perfect children. They eventually moved to Spencer, Iowa in 1966 when they helped move Morton Buildings to establish their most western office at the time. Virginia was a fabulous mother and musician. She taught piano lessons, voice lessons and was very involved with our Church choirs. She was the featured soprano for several Handel’s Messiah at Grace Methodist Church in Spencer. She and Richard parted ways and Mom worked full time in Spencer eventually moving to Des Moines and working until her retirement. She settled in Spencer until her passing on January 3, 2026. Our mom was a great force of love for faith, family, friends and fun. She loved the Lakes area and St. Luke was fabulous to take her on joy rides around the lake’s region in her later years and even to dances at the Roof Garden where she and Allan Johnson (Goose’s dad for those of you that knew him) would swing in their wheelchairs.

We are better people because of this feisty gal and some friends of ours have coined her first demands at the Pearly Gates:

“I want my red hair back and my piano!”

Rest in Paradise, Ginny!!!

Virginia is survived by her 3 kids, Vicki Goyette (Greg) of LeClaire, Iowa, Susan Wicks (Terry Taylor) of Elizabeth, Colorado and Todd Wicks (Lisa) of Spencer, Iowa.

Grandchildren, Ben Goyette (Mila Kumle) of Tiffin, Iowa, Ashley Jobe (Adam) of Geneseo, Illinois, Lindsay Clifford (Ben) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Christy Bender (Rob) of Iowa City, Iowa, Emma Wicks (Mike Guerrero) of Warren, Ohio and Jami Nightengale (David) of Austin, Colorado.

She had Great and Great Grand’s too from all the above!

A Celebration of Life will be held June 27, 2026 at Warner’s Funeral Home in Spencer. Please come and share your memories and love!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Luke Lutheran Home (a nonprofit organization) 1301 St. Luke Drive, Spencer Iowa, 51301 with a notation on the check: “In memory of Virginia Wicks.” The funds will help residents in need.