Victoria Feng married Timothy Ku in St. Mary's Church at Barat College of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois in 1950, where she also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Dr. Ku subsequently received her Master of Science in Chemistry and later her Ph.D; both from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Dr. Ku began her career after Barat College in a laboratory at the Michigan Department of Health while her husband completed work on his doctorate in forestry at Michigan State. When the family moved to Brunswick, Georgia in the mid-1950s and Tim commenced his career that involved a lot of travel as a consulting forester for T.S. Coile, Inc., Vicki took a laboratory technician job at Hercules Inc., formerly Hercules Powder Company.
The Ku family moved to Monticello in 1959 and they became an integral part of the community and UAM. Prior to commencing graduate education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Vicki commuted daily to St. Mary's Catholic Hospital in Dermott to be a laboratory technician, drawing and analyzing early morning blood draws for that Benedictine hospital's patients throughout Chicot County.
While at UAM, Dr. Ku taught all levels of chemistry to forestry, nursing, pre-pharmacy, pre-medical and veterinary school-bound students. Starting with the Introduction to Chemistry course she also taught the intermediate chemistry courses including Analytical Chemistry and advanced subjects including the medical school gateway course, Organic Chemistry with long laboratory hours, followed by Physical Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry.
In the community, Vicki Ku was known to set memorable bridge tables with games going long into the evening with a mix of couples from both the business community and the college. Lasting friendships were made that continued even after people moved away, retired or changed interests to golf and tennis. Later, Vicki undertook an entirely new interest in painting in watercolor, oil and pen and ink. Numerous examples of her work have been preserved and an online catalog is currently underway.
The Ku family is lifelong members of the St. Mark's and St. Luke's Parishes community of Monticello and Warren.
When Vicki's niece, Yvonne, arrived on the scene from Communist China, deprived of a college education because of the strictures of that country's Cultural Revolution, there was no shyer person. But, with her commitment to study and ready help at hand from both her aunt and her uncle, Yvonne is working today in the field of biochemistry in Cleveland after earning her own doctorate in the field of biochemistry from Baylor University. Yvonne and her husband Ying Cha's son Anthony is a junior in biomedical engineering at the Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Vicki was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Timothy who passed away in July 2013, and a younger sister, Dr. Feng Qian (Foster City, CA). Vicki leaves an older sister Dr. Feng Keyan (Shanghai) and two younger brothers Feng Kehui (Hubei) and Dr. Feng Ziguang (Nanjing).
She is survived by two sons, Larry, Albert (Barbara Stimac), Vicki's niece, Yvonne Shao (Ying Cha) UAM 1985 and their son Anthony.
In the Feng family, Vicki Ku is survived by 3 nieces, 4 nephews, 2 great nieces and 6 great nephews.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Funeral Mass, open to all, will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at St. Marks Catholic Church in Monticello with a Rosary Service starting at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday night at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be sent to:
Dr. Victoria F. Ku UAM Memorial
University of Arkansas at Monticello Foundation
memo: Victoria Ku Memorial
Attn.: Office of Advancement
PO Box 3520
Monticello, Arkansas 71656
Condolences(25)
Istar Holliday
Arroyo Grande, CA Wednesday, July 19, 2017 My deepest sympathy to my friend, Larry Ku, and his family on the loss of such an extraordinary parent, a mother I know he loved and admired.Maury & Carolyn Joe
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, July 15, 2017 Our sincere condolences to the family.Maury & Carolyn Joe
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, July 15, 2017 Our sincere condolences to the family. During my time at UAM, I did not have any courses that were taught byKristina Lucas-Hayden
Santa Rosa, CA Saturday, July 15, 2017 All of us at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center here in Santa Rosa, where Larry Ku, Vivki's son shares his time as a Volunteer and Docent, send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Victoria Feng Ku. A remarkable woman who made the world a better place for her presence in it.Suzanne and Bob Wiley
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 13, 2017 We have many fond memories of Vickie and Tim over the years at UAM. I know they will be at peace and happy to be together again in the arms of our Lord. Our deepest sympathies go out to family members.Suzanne and Bob Wiley
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 13, 2017 We have many fond memories of Vickie and Tim over the years at UAM. I know they will be at peace and happy to be together again in the arms of our Lord. Our deepest sympathies go out to family members.Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Thursday, July 13, 2017 I will remember both of your parents with fond memories! They were a joy to be around and an asset to not only UAM but also Southeast Ar. One memory of Vicky was when I asked for a Chinese recipe she looked at me with sly grin and said oh just cook American! My memories of you Father were the conversations we would have when he rode to mass with my brothers and sisters. The two of you and your Mother had not moved to Monticello yet. Am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. My prayers are for all of you.Jenna & Randy Mumper
St. Charles, MO Wednesday, July 12, 2017 Dear Aunt Barb and Uncle Albert, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.Love,
Randy, Jenna and Grayson
Liz Lehr
Kampsville, IL Wednesday, July 12, 2017 Our deepest sympathies go out to Uncle Albert, his brother & Aunt Barb. Our thoughts are with you.Love Jackie & Jim Hill
Liz, Richard, Macie & Madison Lehr
Steve, Rachel, Kennedy & Jaelyn Hill
Janis Jones Wardlaw
Southaven, MS Tuesday, July 11, 2017 I have wonderful memories of living in the neighborhood where the Ku family lived in Monticello in the 60s & 70s. Mrs Ku was always impeccably dressed & always looked so beautiful. She was an awesome role model. Larry & Albert, I know this is a hard time for you because of yall's closeness.She ( and your family ) was blessed to have so many years on this earth. Thinking of you all at this time.
Much love,
Janis
Bonnie J Pozycki
McKinney, TX Monday, July 10, 2017 To the Ku FamilyI am sorry for your family's loss ~ She was an amazing lady.It was my privilege and honor to know Miss Vicki for about a year.
Everyday I saw her, she gave me the biggest smile ~
She was a joy and made me happy ~
When I assisted her from dining room to her apt here @ Vitality Court Texas Star, she would look up at me with those beautiful eyes and say > ' you are an angel '
Well, Miss Vicki you are the Sweet Angel now, and I will miss you so much.
Love, hugs and prayers
Bonnie J Pozycki
Front Desk Concierge
Vitality Court Texas Star, Allen TX
Lowell F Lynde Jr
Monticello, AR Monday, July 10, 2017 Dear Larry and Albert, I was so very sorry to hear about the death of your sweet Mother and my dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Michael, and Barbara at this time. May you forever be comforted by the happy memories that you have of your parents. I can't count the number of times that your mom invited me to her home for a wonderful meal and a game of bridge. She was often my tennis partner and was indomitable at the net. Although she claimed that I asked her to play in a tournament only because I had sprained my ankle, she rose to the occasion and was proud of the trophy we won. We had a nice telephone conversation on Dec. 1, 2016 which was the last time I talked to her. Her kindness and indeed that of all the Ku family has been greatly appreciated. A light has gone out in my life. God bless.Rick & Dolly Zappolo
Fairview, TX Monday, July 10, 2017 Albert and Barb, We extend our sincere condolences and wish you peace and comfort during this period.Debra Kelly
Centennial, CO Sunday, July 9, 2017 Larry and Albert, I'm sorry for the loss of you mom. I never knew your parents personally but always felt like I did from the wonderful stories that Larry has told. I know they both must have been good parents because they have wonderful sons - and I know they were so proud of both of you. Peace and blessings - cherish your memories. Hugs to you both.Faye Lewis
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 8, 2017 Larry and Albert, over the past few years I have noticed the special care you have given to your parents. Now you can draw on those memories of two very wonderful and loving parents with satisfaction that you provided their every need. When they were living in Monticello all I needed to say to them was "I graduated high school with Larry" and that was an automatic hug and brilliant smiles. Vicky always asked if I had an intelligent profession. Thank goodness I could say yes. I'm sure she would have instructed me to return to school and get one. I love to hear the story of her learning to play golf! She was something. Your dad took great care of your mom before they moved to Texas. I would see him buying groceries and speaking kindly to me. My condolences to you great sons. Faye Bates LewisMary Beth and John Stimac
St. Charles, MO Friday, July 7, 2017 Albert and Barb,Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Earnestine Colburn (McQuiston)
Monticello, AR Friday, July 7, 2017 Larry, so sorry to hear of your mother passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Britney and Steve Thacker
Humble, TX Friday, July 7, 2017 Uncle Albert and Aunt Barb - we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Britney, Steve, Drew and BrooksJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, July 7, 2017 What a beautiful and delightful lady, Dr. Ku. I didn't have the honor of being in any of her classes but always admired her and her family.You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you great comfort.
We must always cherish the memories of our dear loved ones.
Morris Bramlett
Monticello, AR Friday, July 7, 2017 I first met Vicki in the mid-80's as a summer researcher at UA-F. We worked in adjacent labs and sometimes worked on instrumentation together. I enjoyed watching her give the parking and transit workers fits that summer. Oddly enough, my first appointment at UAM came when Vicki was on medical leave. She was very supportive of me and offered to help any way she could for the year that I was here, even though she wasn't feeling particularly well. When Bob Pearson retired, she called me asked that I come back to UAM. She very much cared about the program and was proud of the success that her students had in medical school and graduate school. She will always be part of the history of UAM Math and Sciences. Our thoughts go out to the family.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Thursday, July 6, 2017 Albert, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Prayers for you and your family.Dennis Wells
Max and Glenda Peebles Harper
Camden AR, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 Albert nad LarryOur thoughts and prayers are with you
and your families in this time of loss
Janell Luster Ray
Fordyce, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 I remember Vicki Ku coming into the beauty shop in Monticello where I worked in the mid 1960's. She was such a sweet fun loving lady. We all got had a good time with her, as she was so pleasant.My condolences and prayers to the family.
Lois Maxell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 So sad to read of Vicki death. Waiting for the arrangements My thoughts and prayers are with you all1Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 I never had Mrs/Dr Ku as a professor but know that she and her husband were well-respected during their many years at A&M/UAM. The Ku family has my sympathy and prayers at this sad time.