Vicky Lynn Butler

Vicky Butler, 71, of Milan, Missouri, passed away at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri, on Friday, October 16, 2020.

Vicky Lynn Butler was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on December 17, 1948, the daughter of William and Betty (Thompson) Butler who preceded her in death.  Vicky was later adopted by Gerald Hiner at age seven when her mother married Gerald. She was raised in Muskogee, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Little Rock, Arkansas.  Vicky was injured in an automobile accident at age 16 in North Little Rock on March 22, 1966.  The accident left her a quadriplegic.  Vicky lived at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center and then in North Little Rock and Little Rock.  She moved to the Milan Healthcare Facility in Milan, Missouri, in 1994, and had lived there since.

Vicky had a big heart and a strong spirit.  As far as is known, her 54 years as a quadriplegic was the second longest current period in the United States.  Vicky enjoyed parakeets.  Vicky will forever be in the hearts of her family and they find it a great comfort that she is no longer trapped in her paralyzed body; she is now free.

Vicky is survived by a brother, Paul Hiner, of Jupiter, Florida, and three nephews, Chadd Sharp, Mark Festervand, and Clay Festervand, as well as a niece, Alisa Taylor, and a brother-in-law, Jerrad Clark of Unionville, Missouri.

In addition to her parents and adoptive father Gerald Hiner, Vicky was preceded in death by her sister, Dee Ann Clark.

Vicky’s body will be cremated and there will be no services.

Memorials are suggested to Christopher Reeves Foundation and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th , Unionville, Missouri, 63565