Vicky Boden Morse

Vicky Boden Morse, 80, of Atascadero, passed away on February 4, 2025, following a brief illness. Born in Washington, D.C., to Ruth and Elmer Boden, Vicky was one of four children. She shared her early years with her siblings—Lynda Boden, Sandra Balcaen, and Stephen Boden (Las Vegas). As part of a military family, Vicky’s childhood was filled with travel, taking her from Illinois to San Mateo, California, then to St. Petersburg, Florida, before settling in Santa Monica, where she graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1961. Her passion for learning led her to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Monica City College in 1963. She later pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Elementary Teaching Credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1973 and 1974, followed by a Special Education Credential in 1978. Vicky spent several years shaping young minds as a teacher in Paso Robles and as a substitute in surrounding districts. Later, Vicky transitioned into banking, where she found her true calling. Over a 23-year career—19 of those at Union Bank in Atascadero—she became a beloved figure in the community, known for her friendly spirit and dedication to her customers. A woman of many talents and interests, Vicky had a lifelong love of music, dance, tennis, and travel. She had a particular fondness for garage sales, always on the hunt for a hidden treasure. In 1968, Vicky married Richard Lowder, and together they welcomed a son, Brandon. Though they eventually divorced, she found lasting love and friendship with Deon Morse, whom she married in 1981. With Deon, Vicky embraced a rich and adventurous life, becoming stepmother to Martie, Kati, and Suzy. The couple shared many memorable experiences together—camping, white-water rafting, hunting, ballroom dancing, and traveling both across the country in their motorhome and abroad. Vicky was a vibrant and engaged member of the Atascadero community. She volunteered her time and energy to numerous local organizations, including the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation, where she was a founding member. Her involvement also extended to the Atascadero Republican Women, National Rifle Association, Ronald Reagan Museum, Estrella Warbirds, 100 Women Who Care, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Atascadero Elks, Atascadero Historical Society, American Association of University Women, California Retired Teachers Association, and Helping Soldiers in the Desert. In 2015, she was honored as the First Place Champion in Atascadero’s "Dancing with Our Stars." Vicky was preceded in death by her beloved husband Deon, her son Brandon, her sisters Lynda and Sandra, and many other cherished relatives. She is survived by her stepdaughters and their husbands—Martine (Scott) Knouse, Kati (Tim) Porter, and Susan (Joe) Canchola—and their families; her granddaughters Marissa, Hillary, and Riley; great-grandson Jackson; great-granddaughter Linnéa; her brother, Stephen (Kathleen) Boden; and her nephews, Chris and Travis Boden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vicky’s memory to the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1466, Atascadero, CA 93423. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Vicky Boden Morse

May 7, 1944 - February 4, 2025