Vivian Lucille DeClements

**Vivian, Cherished Mom, Gramma, Gi-Gi, and Active Community Member, Passes Away** 

Vivian Lucille DeClements, our beloved mom, gramma, friend, and active member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in Olathe, Kansas, surrounded by her children, at 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was 80 years old. 

Vivian was born on June 16, 1944, in Bozeman, Montana, and grew up as fifth in line of 11 children. Her parents, Helen Phyllis Kinyon-Clayton and Stacy Cardin Clayton paved a path of discipline and humility. They moved the family from Bozeman in 1946 to Harrison, Arkansas, nestled near the heart of the Ozark Mountains. They drove 1,000 miles to the promised “land of opportunity,” which turned out to be a challenge. Many stories were about the fine line between life and death. Such stories may include close encounters with a wolf or the icy grip of winter. 

As a child, Vivian cherished simple pleasures, such as enjoying ice cream cones after church on Sundays with her family. She would make dolls out of hollyhocks, sing songs, play school and church, and even pretend to play the accordion using a piece of firewood. She also had many household responsibilities at a young age. These experiences fostered deep connections with family and friends, instilling a strong work ethic and determination to succeed in life. 

In 1951, they settled in a small home in Fairmount, Missouri, near the Missouri River. This journey, from the Rocky Mountains of Montana to Missouri, was a significant part of her early life, and the values of hard work and perseverance that she learned from her parents, particularly from her mother, guided her throughout. 

Vivian married at the tender age of 19, she and her husband, Wellington, loved to party and dance. They polished their style of the Tango and the West Coast Swing. Life was beautiful for her with the romance of ballroom, dancing, and an army of new friends. 

In 1977, Vivian made Olathe, Kansas, her permanent home. She embarked on a long and successful career at Levitz Furniture, where she earned Salesperson of the Month awards month after month, year after year, due to her work ethic and gift for creating beautiful homes for her clients. She later continued her career at Coldwell Banker, where she further established her reputation. 

Beyond her sales career, Vivian dedicated her time to working as a para-educator at Central Elementary in the Olathe District Schools. She believed that every child needed an adult who wouldn’t give up on them and one who encouraged them to work hard to be the best they could be. 

Vivian was also an active member of the Olathe Lions Club, serving in several leadership roles, including secretary, treasurer, and president. For her dedicated service, she was honored with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lions Club International Foundation, recognizing her commitment to humanitarian work. 

Throughout her life, Vivian was determined to set goals just beyond her reach, and she carried on with determination, achieving one milestone after another. Once she reached a goal, she set a new, higher standard for herself, always striving to improve and learn more. She embodied the spirit of perseverance and continual self-improvement. 

Her unwavering love and dedication to her family, friends, and community were evident in everything she did. She lived her life like a queen, bringing beauty, joy, and strength to those around her, despite the many sacrifices she made along the way. She had a passion for gardening, painting, and mastering the preparation of amazing meals. She loved her adventures traveling with family and friends, from Colorado to Alaska, and then off to making more memories in Paris. 

She was a lifelong learner, contributing to her community and leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and excellence to all who knew her. 

Our precious mom and gramma taught us the value of education and the joy of lifelong learning. She showed us how to appreciate the simple, beautiful moments in life, like the song of a chirping bird or the beauty of a cotton candy pink sunset. Her patience, gentleness, and grace touched our lives deeply, and her legacy will continue to live on in us and in our children. 

Vivian is survived by her three children: - Carol Macias (Bobby) and her children, Emily Francheska Gafford, Adriana Macias, and Dominic Macias. - Lisa Hamilton (Brian) and her children, Allie Shook, Grant Hamilton, and Annie Hamilton. - Tommy DeClements (Tiffany) and his children, Tori Gehlbach and Tatum Phillips. 

She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: - Adrian Gafford, son of Emily Francheska Gafford. - Noah Shook and Maverick Shook, children of Allie Shook. - James Hamilton, child of Grant Hamilton. - Grace Gehlbach and Rosie Gehlbach, children of Tori Gehlbach.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents Stacy Carden Clayton & Helen Phyllis Clayton, sister Sharon Marie Sims, brother Stacy Duane Clayton, brother Ronald Dean Clayton & brother Larry Lee Clayton.

She is also survived by six siblings: - Esther Klaudt (Ivan), Joyce DeClements, Carolyn Shields, Carl Clayton (Paige), Frank Clayton, and Steve Clayton (Laura).

Vivian had a special bond with each of them, and her deep affection and adoration will always be cherished. Vivian will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. 

 A funeral service to celebrate Vivian’s life will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024. All are welcome. 

VISITATION: 

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Grace Church, 8500 W 159th Street, Overland Park, KS.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grace Church, 8500 W 159th Street, Overland Park, KS.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 

12:15 Immediately following Funeral Service.

Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 W 159th Street, Overland Park, KS.

LUNCHEON: 1:00 following the graveside at Vivian’s house.