Lucinda Elaine (King) Vardaman

Luci, 70, currently of Swanton, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2025. She was battling a brief illness but had improved and was planning on returning home soon. A loving mother, cherished Grammy and Great - Grammy and faithful friend, Luci's life was a testament to love, compassion, and quiet strength.

Luci was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Luella King. She is survived by her children, Josette Kincaid, Joe Vardaman (Mellisa) and Jodie Lorenzen (Jason); her grandchildren, Alex Lorenzen (Lainey), Robert Lorenzen, Allison Barnett (Brandon), Wayne Vardaman, Michael Vardaman (Tori), Dennis Vardaman (Macy), and Dylan Vardaman (Allison); and her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Vardaman, Lewis Barnett and 1 due in June. She also leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends. Also preceding her in death was her husband of many years, Joseph Wayne Vardaman and many beloved pets.

Luci was a Whiteford Agricultural High School graduate, class of 1972. She was a proud Bobcat and was thrilled that all three of her children could follow in her footsteps. She lived most of her life in Whiteford and loved the community.

Luci was a near lifelong, dedicated member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. Over the years, she volunteered for many positions including Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and Director of Christian Education. She was a great influence for her children and grandchildren to enjoy the community of faith and become baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s. She was so proud that the next generation was following their faith there too. She found great joy in her fellowship with others and made many lasting friendships.

Luci served her community for 27 years as a medical assistant at Family Medical Center in Temperance, Michigan. She held various positions during these years. She worked at the bedside and before her retirement she assisted patients in receiving medications and other resources they needed through grant work. She also had returned to school and received an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education to help assist the church in a project that unfortunately did not come to fruition.

Family was the cornerstone of Luci’s life. She was the proud Grammy of a close-knit family and gave her time and heart generously. Her heart was always open and her arms always ready for a warm embrace. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

Luci loved sports and enjoyed countless hours watching her family play them. She was also present for any other activities for school, dance, 4H or any other event or celebration they had.

Luci also had a tender heart for animals, taking in strays and adopting countless pets over the years. Whether it was a dog, a barn cat, countless fish, a horse or a guinea pig, Luci gave each one a name and a home. Her love and compassion extended to all creatures, great and small. Her current pup, Hunter, will miss her greatly.

A celebration of Luci’s life will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5790 W. Temperance Rd, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267 on Saturday, May 31, at 12:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Donations can be made in her name to Greater Good Charities, Relay for Life - Monroe Chapter or St Michael’s Lutheran Church Youth Group. Luci’s gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless love will be deeply missed but never forgotten.