Victoria (Vickie) Ann Cruise Mackey, 71, passed away on April 29, 2025.
Victoria (Vickie) Ann Cruise Mackey, 71, passed away on April 29, 2025. Vickie was born in Flora, Illinois, and enjoyed growing up in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, as the middle of three children. Her parents, James and Erma Cruise (both deceased) provided a loving home for Vickie and her two brothers, Tim and Jim Cruise.
In 1980, Vickie married Donald Mackey and shortly thereafter, the two made a home in Lawrenceville, Illinois, when Don went to work at the Lawrenceville Country Club. Lawrenceville was their home for more than the next thirty years and where Vickie made many lifelong friends. In 1987, Vickie gave birth to Donn Early Mackey who blessed her life until his early passing at age 2. Vickie will be laid to rest beside her son.
For decades Vickie was a dedicated and respected employee of Golden Rule/United Healthcare where she worked as a health claims specialist. United Healthcare was delighted when Vickie “retired” to Lake Placid, Florida, in 2016 but agreed to keep working for them.
Vickie will be especially remembered for her kindness towards others and a smile and laugh that spread instant joy. She was a devoted wife of 44 years to Don who deeply misses her. Together she and Don made countless friends over the years as they supported the missions of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and Elks Club. Vickie was also incredibly devoted to her beloved cat, Blackie.
Vickie’s lifelong hobbies included shopping for clothes, jewelry, and Longaberger baskets. Vickie’s beautiful outfits always included matching jewelry, shoes, and lipstick. She was beautiful inside and out.
Vickie is survived by her husband, Don of Lake Placid, Florida; her two brothers, Tim (Barb) Cruise of Waynesville, Missouri and their boys, Brian and Kevin; Jim (Jane) Cruise of Benton, Kentucky and their son, James; step-daughter, Kim (Steve) Farrah of Northlake, Texas; step-son, Stewart Mackey of Louisville, Kentucky; three grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday at 12:00 p.m. at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the May Chapel Cemetery.
