ELLINWOOD — Vicky Lynn Dayton, 70, passed away peacefully in her home May 6, 2025, in Barton County, Kan. She was born Dec. 1, 1954, in Harper, Kan., to Ivan and Martha (Fahrney) Mettscher. On June 7, 1975, she married Norman Dayton in Great Bend. He survives.

Vicky made Barton County her home in the 1950s. After raising their two sons, Vicky was elected to the Hoisington City Council. While serving there, she realized the need for safe affordable housing in Barton County and was appointed to the Barton County Housing Board and then was elected President of the housing board. After Barton County closed the housing board in 1995, she co-developed and served on the volunteer board of Housing Opportunities, Inc. She later was named Executive Director in 2000 and served for 25 years before retiring on November 13, 2020. During that time, she served on the Federal Home Loan Bank Housing Advisory Council. Vicky used her background of being in the presence of and loving the senior citizens in the church, to making a career of serving seniors by placing them in affordable housing that met their limitations and needs. Her compassion, patience, diligence, and agape love served more than 600 families.

After retirement, Vicky went back to work with her husband at Dayton Security, which they have owned since 1982. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene and formerly served as a youth leader and Sunday School Teacher, and on the Hoisington City Council, Barton County Housing Board, Prairie Enterprise Foundation Midwest Housing Development Fund, Inc Board Member, and Federal Home Loan Bank Housing Advisory Council. If any spare time was to be had, Vicky enjoyed mowing her beautiful Woods. Above all else, Vicky treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Survivors include her beloved husband of 49 years, Norman Dayton; sons, Ryan Dayton and his wife Treva of Great Bend, Eric Dayton and his wife Nikki of Lawrence; grandchildren, Liam Dayton, Loryn Dayton; step grandchildren Xavier Carey, Paxtin Carey, Joshua Carey; step great grandchildren, Huxley Carey, Brixli Carey, Salem Loera, and Kenzo Loera. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Randall Mettscher.

Per Vicky’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday May 15, 2025, at First Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Josh Foster and Amy Foster presiding. Memorials have been designated to First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 10, 2025