On July 18, 2023, Vivian Irene Licking passed away at Wauneta Care and Therapy Center, after an extensive battle with cancer. She was born Vivian Irene Bierma on November 14, 1947, to Lawrence and Audrey (Moore) Bierma, at the Sutherland Hospital after which she spent a few days at her maternal grandparents’ home in Sutherland. She then joined her mother and father on the Three Mile Ranch in Arthur County. Vivian was just shy of a year old when she survived the blizzard of 1949; several nights spent wrapped in quilts, sleeping between her parents. In 1951, her father accepted a management position of the iconic Whitewater Ranch. Shortly after, Vivian was joined by a brother, David Lawrence, in July of 1951. She started school at four years old with only one other classmate in a one room schoolhouse. Later on, Vivian attended McPherson County High School, graduating in the class of 1965. She met Charles Bellew in high school and they wed in 1966. Two boys were born to this union, Charles Lawrence “C.L.” and Shawn David. After divorcing, Vivian married Norman Dale Licking in 1982 and a son was welcomed from this union in 1985, Beau Curtis.
After growing up on the Whitewater Ranch, Vivian became a ranch girl; she could rake hay, ride a horse, or fix a fence; Vivian spent her entire life in the Sandhills. Vivian was a dedicated woman; she held a variety of jobs throughout her life. For over 30 years, she was an EMT for McPherson County. She also worked as the McPherson County Clerk, and for some years, as the bookkeeper for Kunkel Auto Supply. Vivian also worked with the Cabela Company and was a mail carrier for various routes for many years. She and her husband, Dale, operated her dad’s windmill business for several years after his death in 1999. She was strong in her Faith and was a member of the Ringgold Free Methodist Church. She loved making ceramics and spending time following her mother’s passion in that field.
Those left to cherish the memory of Vivian include her sons, C.L. (Amy) Bellew, of Hershey, Shawn Bellew, of Tryon, Beau Licking, of Wauneta; grandchildren, Kyle Joseph (Amanda) Bellew, Audrey Ann (Kyle) Kingston, Shawn David Bellew II, Terry Layne Bellew; great grandchildren, Peyton and Tripp Sargent, and Arnold Kingston; brothers, David (Barbara) Bierma, and Dale (Marietta) Bierma; siblings-in-law, Mary “Sis” (Earl) Feyerherm, Don (Linda) Licking, Dennis (Karen) Licking, Richard (Tanna) Licking, Barbara (Dave) Praeuner; other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey (1985) and Lawrence (1999); her husband, Dale (2020); grandson, Dowe (2016).
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10 A.M. at the Ringgold Free Methodist Church in Ringgold, NE, with Pastor John Parsons as officiant. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Tryon. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M. with family present from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.