Victory "Vicki" Lerma

A private family celebration of life service for Vicki J. Lerma will be held at a later date.

Victory Joan "Vicki" Lerma, 81 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, surrounded by her family, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Vicki was born on April 24, 1942, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the only child of Leonard L. and Ruth A. (Olson) Phares. She received her education from Sidney Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1959.

Vicki was married to Jim Lerma, and this union was blessed with 4 children; Karen, Jerad, Nicole, and Korena "Kori." The family made their home in Holdrege, where Vicki worked various jobs including, medical records at Brewster Clinic, continuity director at KUVR, admissions office at Phelps Memorial Health Center, and was a manager at Pizza Hut in Minden for many years. Vicki then began her career at the Phelps County Assessor's Office, until her retirement after 23 years. This marriage later ended in divorce.

Vicki enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, coloring, and crocheting. She had a special place in her heart for all animals and cared for many sick animals throughout the years. But most important to Vicki, was her family and all her kid's friends who she considered her family. She loved attending all of her grandchildren's activities and treasured the time spent with her great-grandkids. She was the matriarch of the family and always put her family's needs first.

Vicki will be remembered for her generous, loving heart; her contagious smile; and her witty sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter-in-law, Becky Wilcox Lerma.

She leaves to celebrate her life her children: Karen Graeff and her husband, Norm of Crookston, Nebraska; Jerad Lerma and his significant other, Diane Jackson of Holdrege; Nicole Franz and her wife, Traci of Holdrege; and Kori Fulmer and her significant other, Raymond Wright of Holdrege; 21 grandchildren: Keisha Andersen Fries; Brady Graeff; Dillon Graeff; Jesse Graeff; Mikhail Lerma and his wife, Brooke; Tyffani Brandt and her husband, Marc; Trenton Lerma and his wife, Ana; Jereck Lerma; Nancy Jenkins; Jennifer Long; Krystal Richardson and her husband, Matt; Bethany Yochum; Noah Yochum; Gabriel Yochum; Joel Yochum; Kai Franz; Christopher Fulmer and his wife, Kayla; Tyler Fulmer and his wife, Cierra; Cheyenne Wagener and her husband, Blade; Skyler Fulmer; Jayden Fulmer and his wife, Montana; 20 great-grandchildren: Amelia Lerma; Bek Lerma; Delilah Lerma; Hope Wade; Natasha Brandt; Laini Johnson; Ravin Smith; Becky Brandt; Steven Grimes; Trey Johnson; Jessa Long; Clarke Richardson; baby Richardson on the way; Hayden Fulmer; Addilynn Fulmer; Kiya Fulmer; Brinley Fulmer; Lucas Fulmer; Lexas Johnson; Scarlett Wagener; along with other family members and many friends.

A memorial has been established in Vicki's honor and kindly suggested to the family.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.