Vicki Ann Berry

Vicki was born on March 5, 1954, in Chico, California, the firstborn of four children. She was raised in a loving family by her parents, Virginia and Jerry Powers, alongside her siblings. Growing up in Chico, Vicki attended local elementary and junior high schools before graduating from Chico Senior High School in 1972.

During her school years, Vicki excelled in math, poetry, creative writing, and enjoyed participating in athletics. Some of her fondest childhood memories came from the many family outings her parents planned. Fort Bragg, California, held an especially meaningful place in her heart. She loved spending time at the beach and remembered fondly the beautiful coastal weather, surrounding wilderness, and unmistakable smell of the ocean.

On May 1, 1972, Vicki married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Gifford Berry. Together, they began a marriage and partnership that would span more than 54 years and create a loving family that became the center of Vicki’s life.

During their early years together, Vicki and Gifford lived in several places, including Illinois and Alaska, as career opportunities and climate led the family on different adventures. They eventually returned to Chico, where they raised their children. After their children had grown and begun families of their own, Vicki and Gifford settled in Red Bluff, California, where they made their home together.

Throughout these years, Vicki and Gifford co-owned 5th & Ivy Garage and Gas, which later became Giff’s Automotive. After that chapter of her career came to an end, Vicki began another that allowed her to continue giving to others.

In 2013, she began working as a paraeducator for Bidwell Elementary, where she continued working until her passing.

A Life Devoted to Family

Family was at the heart of Vicki’s life.

She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and took great pride in supporting everything they pursued. Whether it was their education, sports, hobbies, cheerleading, or whatever new interest captured their attention, Vicki was always there to encourage them.

She believed in her children, celebrated their accomplishments, and supported their aspirations throughout their lives.

That devotion extended naturally to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Vicki recently had the opportunity to travel to Texas, where she spent precious time visiting her great-grandchildren. The opportunity to see and spend time with them was especially meaningful to her.

Her commitment to young people and education also extended beyond her immediate family. While her children attended Chico High School, Vicki helped establish the Chico High Sports Boosters.

Later, she enjoyed supporting and spending time with the Chico High School Foundation (CHSF), joining retirees, alumni, and others dedicated to supporting the school’s academic and extracurricular programs.

Love Served Around the Family Table

Of all the things Vicki enjoyed, few meant more to her than bringing her family together with her home-cooked meals.

Vicki would spend hours in the kitchen preparing food for the people she loved. Her meals were filled not only with her knowledge and talent for cooking, but with the love and care she put into everything she made.

Every family member seemed to have a favorite meal that only Vicki could make quite right. When the family gathered, requests for those favorite dishes would inevitably follow, and Vicki took great joy in preparing them.

She understood that a home-cooked meal could be much more than food. It was a reason to gather, to talk, to laugh, to share stories, and simply to be together. Cooking was one of the many ways Vicki expressed her love, and the memories created around her table will remain with her family for generations.

Fifty Years Together

In May 2022, Vicki and Gifford celebrated an extraordinary milestone, their 50th wedding anniversary.

For the occasion, they returned to Fort Bragg, a place filled with so many happy memories from Vicki’s childhood. They were joined by their children and many of their grandchildren for a celebration of not only 50 years of marriage, but also of the family and life they had built together.

For Vicki, it was a deeply cherished experience. Surrounded by the people she loved in a place that had meant so much to her throughout her life, the anniversary became a memory she would speak of fondly in the years that followed.

Her Family and Legacy

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Powers and Jerry Powers.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gifford Berry; her sisters, Karen Lobach (Dick) and Susie Modes (Mark); her brother, Michael Powers; her son, Jason Berry (Marisa); her daughters, Connie Scharaga (Isaac) and Nikki Stroud (Daniel); and her grandchildren, Logan Stroud, Kylee Stroud, Madison Stroud, Connor Stroud, Gracie Holland, Mason Berry, and Ryan Berry.

She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.

Vicki’s legacy cannot be measured simply by the years she lived or the work she accomplished. It can be found in the family she loved so completely, the children she encouraged, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored, the students and community she served, and the countless memories created around her kitchen and family table.

She leaves behind more than recipes and favorite meals. She leaves behind the understanding that some of life’s most important moments happen when the people we love gather together.

Her family will remember her encouragement, her devotion, her cooking, her generosity, and the many traditions she created.

Whenever they gather around a table to share a meal, tell stories, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company, a part of Vicki will always be there with them.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration and remembrance of Vicki’s life on:

Saturday, November 7, 2026

10:00 a.m.

Hilltop Baptist Church

585 Kimball Road, Red Bluff, CA 96080

11:00am

Celebration of Life to follow at the same location as the Services

If you are able, bringing a favorite dish that you would like to share with everyone during the celebration, it would be greatly appreciated.

Together, family and friends will celebrate a woman whose greatest joy was caring for the people she loved and whose legacy will continue through the generations of the family she held so dear.