Judy Vaughn

Judith "Judy" Antoinette Vaughn, 85, of Denison, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026. A woman of deep faith, unfailing kindness, and boundless devotion to her family, Judy brought light and warmth to everyone blessed enough to know her.

Born in Lakota, North Dakota, on June 13, 1941, Judy grew up with a grounded spirit and a warm heart. On March 26, 1962, she married Howard LaRue Vaughn in Santa Clara, California. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and hard work.

Judy was a woman of many talents and a steadfast work ethic. For many years, she welcomed children into her home through her daycare business in Manning, Iowa, providing a safe, nurturing environment for neighbors and families. She also worked at Puck Implement in Manning and spent a decade caring for others in housekeeping at Eventide Nursing Home in Denison. Together with Howard and their son, Luke, Judy helped turn Vaughn Welding into a cherished family business. She took immense pride in bookkeeping, painting and decorating iron and traveling across seven states to craft shows, selling their unique metal lawn sculptures and connecting with people everywhere they went.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout Catholic, Judy found constant joy and peace in her church community. She faithfully led the rosary, loved singing religious songs, and treasured the deep friendships created within her prayer groups.

At home, Judy embraced life's simple pleasures. She could often be found piecing together jigsaw puzzles, completing word searches, playing computer slot games, enjoying a trip to the casino, BINGO, and laughing at Howard's stories. When summer rolled around, everyone looked forward to her famous potato salad, which was a favorite dish at family gatherings.

Above all else, her favorite moments were those spent with her family. She delighted in visits with her children and adored every opportunity to laugh, catch up, and spend time with her grandchildren.

Judy had a rare gift for seeing the genuine good in every person she met. She went out of her way to lend a helping hand, always spoke with gentle encouragement, and radiated a warmth that made everyone feel loved and valued, and never an ill-word.

She is survived by her children, Marcella (Dan), LaDonna, and Luke (Lisa); and her grandchildren, Thomas Gordon, Danielle Newton, Brent Gordon, Jacob Blevins, Austin Richardson, Jordan Richardson, Breana Richardson, Andrew Gordon, Derek Booth, and Cecilia Martin, and many great grandchildren.

Judy was reunited in death with her beloved husband, Howard; her daughter, Rhonda; her parents, William and Lillian Zeman; and her siblings, Edward, Frank, Lawrence, Marie, Lucille, and Rita.

Judy’s legacy of love, compassion, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate to share in her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and rosary at 10:15 a.m., on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Interment will be held in the St. Ann Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.