Vicki Lynn Shinliver

Vicki Lynn Shinliver, of Wellington, KS, affectionately called “Gran” by her grandchildren and friends, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on July 5, 1948, in Woodward, OK, Vicki was the second daughter of George and Vivian Sells. She grew up in Amarillo, TX, as part of a proud railroad family. In 1976, she moved to Wellington, KS, where she built her life around her two boys, Gregory and Stuart. As a dedicated working mother, she balanced a full-time career with raising her boys while actively building up and leading both the local PTA and Project Prom.

A dedicated logistics professional, Vicki took immense pride in her career, which included surveying for the ASCS and working with Theurer Auction. She ultimately retired in 2012 after 24 years of loyal service at Koch Industries. Her daily commute from Wellington to Wichita earned her a bit of notoriety, as her fast driving resulted in countless speeding tickets.

A master gardener and antique collector, Vicki filled not only her beautiful Victorian home but also multiple storage units with her treasures—leaving behind a collection whose exact size remains a subject of family debate. Her need for speed paired perfectly with a love for cross-country road trips, which she spent devouring audiobooks. This reading habit made her a fixture at the Wellington Public Library, where her vocal opinions on the audiobook collection naturally led to her serving years on the library board. Her trademark outspokenness brought her a second volunteer job at the Chisholm Trail Museum, where she dedicated her retirement summers until her passing. She was a fervent Yankees and Cowboys fan. She spent years grumbling about Stuart and Ann raising their three children to be die-hard Cubs fans, firmly maintaining until the end that the Yankees are the far superior team.

Vicki approached life with sharp wit and a fiery personality, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a loyal friend who shared many years and memories participating in favorite pastimes, including playing Bridge and Bunco, supper clubs, and worldwide travel with those she considered close companions.

Vicki’s faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong Episcopalian and took great pride in her involvement with the building of the current Wellington parish, St. Jude’s. She remained a faithful communicant of the parish until her passing.

Despite all her careers, hobbies, community involvement, and travel, the thing that mattered most to her was her family. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed a sporting event, assembly, activity, or band concert if she could help it. “Gran” entertained Wellington fans with her running sideline “coaching” and commentary for years. She found immense joy in her role as a grandmother, taking her grandchildren on personalized road trips and a dream Christmas trip to New York City—creating a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Even though her grandchildren’s endless teasing and banter exasperated her at times, they were the center of her world, and she loved them fiercely.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, George and Vivian Sells; her beloved son, Gregory Hammers; and her older sister, Sandra McVey.

She is survived by her son, Stuart Shinliver, and his wife, Ann, of Wellington; her cherished grandchildren, Hank, Georgia, and Duke Shinliver; and her dear nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service in honor of Vicki will be held, followed by a celebration of life at Andy’s D3 on Tuesday, August 11th, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Vicki are welcome to attend and help celebrate her life. Her final resting place will be in New Mexico, where she will be laid to rest with her son, Gregory.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Wellington Public Library. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Please share a memory, leave condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas. In honor of Vicki’s life, you are encouraged to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page.