1960-2026
Vicky Gene Kirchoff, 65, officially got her angel wings on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Heaven gained one of the good ones, and we’re pretty sure she’s already organizing things up there and making sure everyone’s behaving.
Vicky made her grand entrance into the world on October 11, 1960, born to Robert and Colleen Kirchoff in Lyons, Kansas. She proudly held the title of baby sister to Kenda and big sister to Rick.
A lifelong resident of Sterling, Vicky graduated from Sterling High School in 1978 and later began what would become a legendary career at Sterling College in 1992. For 34 years, she left her mark on countless students and staff with her kindness, dedication, and willingness to help anyone who crossed her path. “Swords Up!” wasn’t just a motto, it was a way of life for Vicky.
Vicky’s heart belonged first to her family, especially her beloved great-nephews. A very close second was the Sterling College Warriors and the Kansas Jayhawks. If you knew Vicky, you knew she was the first to show up, the first to help, and the last to expect anything in return.
She is survived by her loyal sidekick, her Golden Retriever, Kimber; her sister, Kenda Clayton of Sterling; nieces, Barbie Booker of Chase, Cagney Clayton (James Morgan) of Milton, Florida, Chelsea Clayton of Lyons, Kylee Mies (Rob) of Wichita, and Erin Beach (Miles) of Fredonia; nephew, Jordan Clayton of Wichita; a whole crew of great-nephews and great-nieces; and her Sterling College family.
Vicky was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, who were certainly waiting at the gates to welcome her home with open arms and probably a lot of laughter.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in Sterling this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birzer Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses, a headstone, and other related costs.
While we will miss her deeply, we know Vicky would want us to smile, wear our Warrior or Jayhawk gear proudly and live life to the fullest. Rock chalk!
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
