Vivian Marie Dutchik

Vivian Marie Denton Dutchik, 88, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2010, in Tallahassee, Fla. Vivian was born in Richmond, Mo., on Oct. 28, 1921, to Ruth and Walter Denton. She remained in Richmond until graduating from high school. Her lifelong dream to become a registered nurse was realized upon her graduation from St. Mary's College in Kansas City, Mo., in 1946. Nursing not only brought joy as a career, but this is where she would meet her future husband. Raymond F. Dutchik, a World War II Marine who served in the Pacific, ended up on her floor as a patient with war related injuries. They married on Oct. 31, 1947. They moved to St. Louis, Mo., where both began life-long careers with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Vivian working with the Mo Pac Hospital and Ray with the railroad. A work related transfer in 1958 took them to Little Rock, Ark. Vivian continued her nursing career at the Missouri Pacific Hospital in LR. During this time, she went back to school to receive intensive care and emergency room training; she ended her career as the day supervisor at the hospital; she retired in the early 1980's. Vivian was actively involved the Garden Club, the Professional Nurses Association, bridge clubs and all activities associated with the Mabelvale United Methodist Church. Following her husband's death in 1986, Vivian remained in Little Rock until moving to Tallahassee, Fla., in 2006. A devoted mother and wife, Vivian put her family above everything else. She will be deeply missed by the surviving members of her family, Raymond Dutchik (Marge) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sheridan Dutchik (Nancee) of Boyton Beach, Fla., Robert Dutchik (Ginny) of North Little Rock, Ark., and Linda Dutchik Evans (Steve) of Tallahassee, Fla.; her seven grandchildren, Jennifer Dutchik Trussel (Phil) of Washington, D.C., Shannon Dutchik of Fort Smith, Ark., Bernard Dutchik (Lisa) of Iowa City, Iowa, Steven L. "Chip" Evans of Virginia Beach, Va., Sheridan "Chip" Dutchik (Leah) of Boca Raton, Fla., Stephanie Evans Mason (Dennis) of Houston, Texas, and Sarah Dutchik Perez (Alex) of St. Louis, Mo. Lastly, Vivian is survived by seven great-grandchildren, they are: Rachel Dietlin, Zoe, Gabby, and Joshua Dutchik, Madeline Dutchik and Corbin and Cayden Mason. A memorial service and celebration of Vivian's life, will be held at the Mabelvale United Methodist Church, 10500 Woodman, Mabelvale, Ark., at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery. Griffin-Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home is in charge of services, 501-661-9111/ www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mabelvale United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 10500 Woodman, Mabelvale, Ark. 72103.