Vickie Sue Selk

Vickie Sue (Mayhew) Selk Vickie Sue (Mayhew) Selk, age 77, of Minooka, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A resident of Minooka for the past 21 years, Vickie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ. Vickie was born May 5, 1949, in Watseka, Illinois, the only child of Donald and WillaMae (Ferry) Mayhew. When Vickie was just 16 years old, she lost her father, whom she dearly loved. His loss affected her deeply and remained with her throughout her life. Her father affectionately called her “Ikabod,” a name that would later become Vickie’s signature on her paintings—a lasting connection to the father she lost so young. She remained extraordinarily close to her mother throughout WillaMae’s long life and was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother until her passing at the age of 92. After attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, Vickie married the love of her life, Lyle Selk. Together they shared more than 57 years of marriage. During Lyle’s service in the United States Navy, they lived in Waukegan, Illinois; Norfolk, Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; and, for three years, Athens, Greece. While living in Greece, Vickie became actively involved with the Protestant Women of the Chapel at the United States Air Force base. She led a fundraising program benefiting a Christian orphanage, and her efforts were formally recognized with a letter of commendation from the Air Force. After Lyle’s Navy service, their travels continued. Over the years, Vickie and Lyle made their home in Hazel Crest, Homewood, and Plainfield, Illinois; Hopewell Junction, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Easton, Pennsylvania; Jensen Beach, Florida; and finally Minooka, Illinois. Wherever they lived, Vickie took immense pride in turning each house into a home. She had an extraordinary talent for decorating and filled her homes with warmth, creativity, and personal touches that were unmistakably hers. She wanted everyone who came through her door—family, friends, or visitors—to feel welcomed and at home. Vickie was an exceptional writer and a talented artist who loved painting, sewing, baking, decorating, arts and crafts, and gardening. Her love of gardening led her to pursue the Master Gardener program, which she came within one step of completing. The garden she created at her home was designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. In her later years, Vickie took great pride in driving a school bus for local school districts, where her routes served children with special needs. The work and the children entrusted to her care meant a great deal to her. Vickie is survived by her husband, Lyle; her three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Michelle Selk of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sean and Linda Selk of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Nathan and Allison Selk of Minooka, Illinois; and her six grandchildren, Jared and Amberly of Charlotte, Owen and Avery of Minooka, and Liam and Lyla of Palm Beach Gardens. Anyone who knew Vickie knew that her grandkids were her most precious pride and joy. Vickie’s life took her from a small Illinois town to places across the country and around the world. Through all the changes and places along the way, she and Lyle built a family and a life together. She loved deeply, created beautiful things, welcomed people into her home, and devoted herself to her faith and her family. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Vickie is now at peace and at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life for Vickie will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Mission Bible Church in Minooka, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the scholarship fund at Venture Missions. Donations may be made at www.venturemissions.net.