Vivian A. "Viv" Bankhead

Vivian Alberta "Viv" (Reichard) Bankhead, 84, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Thursday, September 5, 2013.

Vivian was born August 27, 1929 in Battle Creek to Albert Franklin and Laura (Mapes) Reichard. She grew up on the family farm in Branch County and was the Valedictorian of her Quincy High School Class. Vivian was employed by the Kellogg Company for 23 years, retiring in 1985.

Vivian was united in marriage to Jack Bankhead on May 8th, 1949 in Battle Creek. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack on November 29, 1991; and her brother, Kenneth. Surviving are two sons, Eric (Connie Schrieber) Bankhead of Grayling, MI, Mark (Jeanne) Bankhead of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Shannon Bankhead of Tarzana, CA, Caitlin Bankhead of Clermont, FL, Meghan Bankhead of Naples, FL, Adam (Susan Miner) Bankhead of Battle Creek, MI; a great-grandson, Jackson Bankhead of Battle Creek, MI and a special niece, Shirley Brauker; and a favorite cousin Irene La Fond. She also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Vivian trained and rode horses growing up on their family farm. She loved her family vacations and spending time with her family. Vivian vacationed out west, hiked the trails of the Rocky Mountains and white-water rafted its rivers. She also went out on safari in 1985 with the Binder Park Zoo.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday. October 24, 2013. Inurnment for her family will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery next to her husband, Jack.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vivian may be made to Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49014-9500. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.