Vicki Lynn (Whonsetler) Martin

Avilla – Vicki Lynn (Whonsetler) Martin, 61, of Avon, IN, formerly of Avilla, Indiana and Orlando, Florida, passed peacefully of a sudden illness in her home on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Vicki was born September 28, 1955 in Garrett, IN to Max and Mary (VanGorder) Whonsetler. She graduated from East Noble High School in 1973. She was an athlete who excelled as an ENHS Cheerleader.

Soon after graduation, Vicki decided to hit the road and ultimately ended up in Orlando, FL where her keen intellect, business savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit led to her founding several successful companies including One Stop Travel Centers of Orlando, which began as Vacation Ventures in 1988. In 1995, she started one of the first ISP (Internet Service Providers) in the State of Florida which quickly grew from a dial-up internet provider to an interactive advertising agency. All three of her core companies still exist today.

Vicki’s success was only a platform for what defined her personally. Aside from enjoying water skiing and tennis, Vicki’s sporting passion was golf. Her real passion, however, was helping animals in need. She dedicated countless hours, monies and resources helping animal advocacy, shelter, rescue and foster agencies meet the needs of the animals in their care. She did this quietly and selflessly, almost always asking that she be designated as anonymous.

She is survived by her fiancé and love of her life, Michael Scott of Avon, IN, formerly of Orlando, FL; her four-legged children Ranger Smith and Libby Wesson; her parents, Max and Mary Whonsetler of Avilla, IN; her brother Stanley (Lana) Whonsetler of Avilla, IN; sister Kathleen (Jeffrey) Smith of Kendallville, IN; nephews Matthew Whonsetler, Jeffrey Smith, Jr., Cameron, and Christopher; nieces Heather Smith, Angie (Deron) Clark, Parker Scott, Madison Scott and Caitlyn Alas; and great nephews Dathan Clark and Davis Clark. Also surviving are Michael’s stepfather, Stephen Rew and siblings Lia Rew-Sanchez, Steven Scott and Jennifer Alas.

She was preceded in death by nephew Jeb Earl Smith in 1995, Michael’s mother Lynette Scott, and Michael’s brother Jonathan Scott, both of whom passed in 2013. She was also preceded in death by her other four-legged children, Miss Gabby, Max, Brandi, Sabrina and Wolfgang.

Funeral Services will be 11:00am Saturday May 27, 2017 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 101 Cherry St., Avilla, with visitation one hour prior to service. Pastor James Kemerly officiating. Visitation also from 2-4pm & 6-8pm Friday May 26, 2017 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N. Main St., Avilla. Burial will be at Hooper-King Cemetery outside Avilla. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in memoriam to the Humane Society of Noble County. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com