Judith Ann Vaughn

Judith Ann (Tacha) Vaughn passed away, at the age of 84, at her home in Thornton, Colorado on August 17, 2025. Judy was born February 27, 1941 in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents, Elmer and Helen (Hess) Tacha raised her on their farm, Slab City Farm, outside of Jennings. She attended schools in Jennings and graduated high school in 1959. She was involved in cheerleading, chorus, band and other activities. Judy married Gary Vaughn on November 6, 1959. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2024. They raised three incredibly beautiful and talented children, Tonie, Tamra (Tamie) and Todd, following and encouraging them faithfully in all of their activities and achievements. Both Judy and Gary volunteered in many of those endeavors to help not only their own children, but others in the community as well. This included 4-H, Kids Wrestling and Swim Team among others. Judy drove kids, ran concession stands, lane judged, organized banquets, and cheered from all the many sidelines. As an employee, Judy worked diligently at a variety of positions in several different industries, one being the secretary at the Decatur County Extension Office where she helped coordinate and support the county 4-H clubs and the county fair. She was instrumental in the formation of the Go-Getters 4-H Club. After the kids graduated high school and left for college, Judy & Gary moved around Colorado, Kansas & Wyoming for Gary’s work. They had many adventures along the way. She worked as an administrative assistant or bookkeeper for county attorneys in Wyoming and Kansas, a real estate company in Colorado, the clinic in Oberlin, a bakery, and a hotel among others. She made new friends wherever she went. Judy was a member of the Eastern Star, serving in several leadership roles. Later in Colorado, she belonged to a local Red Hats group. Judy is survived by her faithful and loving husband, Gary Vaughn; daughter Tonie (Vaughn) and Tom Owens of Hoschton, GA; daughter Tamra (Vaughn) and John Owen of Dewitt, IA; son Todd and Laura (Williby) Vaughn of Brighton, CO; grandchildren Megan (Dave) Ferraro, Aaron (Melissa) Owen, John (Jasmine) Owens, Jordan (Taylor) Owen, Hannah (Robert) Leon, and Mark (Kayla) Owens; great grandchildren Lyla, Swayze, Eden, Iris, Brooks, Aynslee, Emma, Easton, and Marlow plus bonus great grandchildren Dalton, Makynlee, and Grace; sister-in-law Gloria McKenna; cousins, nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Herbert & Nelda Vaughn; sister-in-law Wilma Skubal Keith; sister-in-law Joyce Carlton. Funeral service will be graveside at Oberlin, Kansas Cemetery on September 13, 2025, at 10 am with lunch to follow at The Golden Age Center. Memorial contributions may be made to The Bargain Box in Oberlin.