Vicki Parrish Williams

“Up to” 5’10” same as in high school. Haha. Went to four colleges: Graduated from Ricks College in 1965 (now BYU-Idaho) and Idaho State University in 1967. Was named “Outstanding Student of Religion” at the Institute there. (All three of our children and their spouses are also graduates.) Attended BYU and University of Hawaii. Served an LDS mission to West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Was in Outstanding Young Women in America. Went on a trip around the world for six weeks with my sweet Mom. Been married to the sweetest man in the world for 35 years and have three awesome children and 5 incredible grandchildren. We started marriage and family later in life but what a joy it’s been since we did. Have enjoyed many lasting friendships with friends and family over the years. Being retired hasn’t slowed anything down yet, but it is wonderful!

I had a great time in high school being involved in many activities. I didn’t date much then, but made up for it in college and beyond. One of the things I remember is wanting with all my heart to be accepted into Pep Club. When that happened, that was such an exciting moment. And most of my friends were named Linda so we had to call each other by their last names. So I was “Parrish” to them. I remember the last day of school getting to drive my brother’s red Ford convertible and accidentally locked the keys in the trunk on the way. Late to the assembly but made it. I loved going to the assemblies and hearing Jeanne Green play Malaguena (sp.?) But she was always such a fast typist I could never beat her.

Instead of a bucket list, I decided I just wanted to appreciate and live each day to the fulles. Both my husband and I traveled and did all the college things before we met each other. I enjoyed college and all of life as I went along. Even though I would like to have had my children at a younger age, I am so glad we were able to be become parents and grandparents. The only things I want my “bucket” to contain is the people I love to be with me in Heaven. I want to know I made a difference by having been allowed to live these last 50 years—and hopefully many more. I was saddened to hear that 10% of our class are no longer with us to fulfill their bucket lists. We need to appreciate each and every day!