Vivian Leone (Barkley) Essick, the daughter of John Thomas and Josie Barkley, was born on March 28, 1931. She was the oldest of 5. Vivian graduated from Norwalk High School in 1948. She met Kenneth Essick and they were married June 25, 1949 in Grundy Center, Iowa. They made their home in Norwalk where they raised three daughters: Linda, Donna, and Deb.
Vivian worked at Central Life and Preferred Risk (GuideOne), retired in 1988. She loved to have coffee with family and friends. Vivian loved camping, traveling, being with family, going to grandkids activities, playing cards, and embroidering.
Vivian passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Essick, parents, sister Margaret, brothers: Paul, Lowell, and John Barkley; and brother-in-law Jake Benge.
Vivian and Kenneth were married almost 72 years when Kenneth passed away on May 31, 2021. Vivian is lovingly remembered by their daughters: Linda (John) Woollums, Donna (Rick) Bussanmas, and Deb (Pat) Scholer; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at O’Leary Celebration of Life Center in Norwalk, Iowa from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9 also at the O’Leary Celebration of Life Center. Memorial contributions may be given to the Norwalk Fire Department.
