Yvonne Marie (Slocum) King

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ruth Slocum. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Roger King, daughter Kimberly Taylor (Paul), grandsons Connor and Griffin Taylor, brother Gary Slocum (Tina), nephews Scott Slocum (Nikki) and Brett Slocum (Kelley) and sister-in-laws Lois Moorhead and Valerie Setzer and their families.

Vonnie was born and raised in Binghamton, NY. She grew up on Brook Ave. spending Friday nights attending choir practice at Ross Memorial Church, playing basketball in the church league and as a member of Brownies and Girl Scouts. While at Binghamton Central High School she excelled in her studies and was very proud to be the first chair clarinet in the school band. She also obtained the honor of becoming Queen of the Mary E. Blanding Triangle, Daughters of the Eastern Star. After graduating high school in 1962 she entered Nursing School at Binghamton General Hospital where she made many lifelong friendships and memories that still endure today. Upon her graduation from nursing school in 1965 as a Registered Nurse she started as the Assistant Head Nurse of the ICU/CCU unit at Binghamton General Hospital. Vonnie was well known for her caring heart, devoted patient and family support as well as her encyclopedic knowledge of cardiac care. She was respected and valued by the many physicians with whom she worked on a daily basis. In the late 1980s Vonnie became a hospital supervisor giving her the opportunity to shower nurses in all units with scratch off lottery tickets for their birthdays. When she wasn’t working, she loved to traverse the seas, where she began her loving relationship with the penny slots! Once on dryland she made many fond memories with her Gamblin’ Gals.

After 44 years of service at Binghamton General Hospital she retired with her husband Roger in Colorado to be near their daughter, son in-law and two cherished grandsons. For the next ten years Vonnie and Roger spent their days as Connor and Griffin’s biggest fans. They never missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event, band concert or ballet production. Each Christmas they would watch Griffin perform in four Centennial State Ballet Nutcracker performances.

Thankful that the world was reopening, Vonnie spent 2021 doing what she loved most, traveling around with her family watching her grandsons play basketball, baseball and football or spending time with her grandoggy Bandit. A steadfast Longmont High School sports fan, she was simply known as Grandma Vonnie to everyone on the field or in the stands. After games Connor and Griffin would seek her out for a hug, a laugh (usually about a comment she made to the officials during the game) and the snacks she brought for the bus rides home. This Fall the family made many special memories driving to Rapid City, SD to watch her grandson Connor play football for South Dakota School of Mines. She was overwhelmed with pride for both of her grandsons. The last two weeks of her life were a gift as she spent every waking hour chatting and laughing with her family in New Orleans, LA.

Vonnie was a giver. She always had time for what you needed. She spread joy with her silly personality and practical jokes. She never missed the opportunity to give someone a gift and she never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a friend. We are all the better for having known her.

In Colorado, a Celebration of Life will be held on December 22nd at the Fox Hill Club from 6-8pm. In New York, a Celebration of Life will be planned for early Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UHS Foundation specifying Binghamton General Hospital ICU/CCU (www.UHSdonates.com) or Soul Dog Rescue (www.SoulDog.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy are appreciated and my be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.