Vicki Dale Weitzel

Vicki Weitzel, 68, a longtime resident of Grant County, passed away March 9, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long hard-fought battle with Vascular Dementia. 

Vicki was born to William Ennis Autry Jr. and Ara Juanita Cox in Big Springs, Texas, on March 18, 1956. The middle of three children, she moved with her family around Texas until 1963 when her father was transferred to Ephrata for his job at the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. 

After Vicki graduated from Ephrata High School in 1974, she attended college courses at Big Bend Community College and worked at U&I Sugar as a lab technician. 

In 1977, she went on a chance double date where she met the love of her life, James Andrew Weitzel. The two married in November 1978 and made their home on a small farm near George, Wash. Over the decades, Vicki wore many hats — bookkeeper, tax expert, homemaker, partner and friend. Her proudest title was that of mother to their three children. 

In 2006, Jim and Vicki decided to “retire” and sell the farm to move closer to Ephrata. It was there they built their dream home. Vicki worked at Ephrata Walmart as a cashier and later photo lab technician. She enjoyed seeing her regular customers and the many friends she made while working there. 

In 2020, Jim and Vicki decided to finally fully retire. It was then that she found her greatest joy — to spend time with her grandsons and granddaughter. She also enjoyed cooking, crocheting, Sudoku puzzles, her dogs and camping in their motorhome. 

Vicki is survived by her husband of 46 years James Andrew Weitzel, sons Jeremy (Jennifer) Weitzel, Bradley Weitzel and Nicholas Weitzel, as well as five grandsons and a granddaughter. She is also survived by her older brother, William (Christine) Autry III, younger sister Diane (Fritz) Clark and the numerous in-laws and friends who love her dearly. 

Vicki is preceded in death by her parents. 

Vicki will always be remembered for her unshakeable determination, quick wit, and most of all, her love for her family and friends. While we are saddened that she is gone from this world; we are relieved that she is finally in peace with the Lord and back to the person we always knew her to be. She truly conquered this horrible disease, and we are so very proud of her for that. 

We would like to thank Harold and Betty at the Coolidge House for their love and care in the final chapter of Vicki’s life. 

A graveside service will be held at the Ephrata Cemetery located at 333 E St. SW on March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m.  A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 28 located at 276 Eight Ave. NW in Ephrata. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Wash. 

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.” — Anonymous