Ruth Vaughn Obituary
January 19, 1943 – January 4, 2026
Ruth was born in San Diego, California to Darris and Mary Brown. She attended school in San Diego until she moved with her parents to Modesto where she finished high school at Modesto High. In 1961 she married Howard Bell and together they began to raise three daughters in the San Diego area. Later a new job prospect brought them to Turlock. In 1975 Ruth found herself on her own with her three daughters. They enjoyed years of adventure including a camping/RV trip to the Grand Canyon. Ruth met Robert Vaughn through mutual friends, and they married in 1980. They enjoyed many years together that included service and ministry with their church; camping with dear friends and eventually traveling via RV around the United States several times. She passed away peacefully at the age of 82.
Ruth was a member of Monte Vista Chapel and one of her many ministries was singing in the church choir and with various ensembles. This same ministry provided dear friends who shared her life. In addition to singing Ruth loved serving in Awanas with her husband, Bob; her grandchildren can attest to the many patches and awards she sewed onto countless vests! She gave her love to many and was also loved by many.
She leaves behind her daughters, Jan (Tom) Bishel of Turlock, Sheryl (Todd) Murphy of Wylie, Texas, Marlene (Dale) Ashton of Chandler, Arizona and Robert's daughter Pamela (Dee) Hernandez of Turlock, twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren (with more on the way). She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Manfred Kern of Germany and nephews, Jonathan Kern, David Kern and Stefan Kern and their families. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Robert Vaughn, her sister Barbara Kern and her parents.
Services will be held on January 14, 2026; the graveside service will be at Turlock Memorial Park at 9:30 a.m. with the Celebration of Life service at Monte Vista Chapel at 11:00 a.m.
A Livestream of the funeral can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/
Memorial contributions can be made in Ruth's memory to Monte Vista Chapel Missions Fund, 1619 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Shelley Silva
January 14, 2026
Cheryl and Jan I am sooo sorry for the loss of your mother. John and I are keeping you in our prayers. I am unable to go to her funeral today because my dad is being put into hospice today at the same time. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
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Augustina Hawks Love (Tina)
January 7, 2026
Augustina Love, Ruth and I worked together for many years at Emmanuel Hospital. And eventually I ended up working under her as my supervisor in payroll. I myself i´m somewhat of a perfectionist. Ruth had a little of that in her also. And there were times when we didn´t always agree on things. But she was the boss and that´s how it was going to be. Years later after my retirement I got a phone call from Ruth. She had heard that I had stage four lung cancer and she wanted to come and visit me, and of course she brought two of our old work friends with her. It was the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Ruth and I called each other and kept in touch at least every week, we talked about families prayed together prayed for each other and laughed about old times. She truly taught me a very small thing that most of us already know but we don´t practice it enough. Today will take care of itself and its own problems, don´t worry about tomorrow it will bring its own problems with it. I´m still talking to Ruthie. And I know she is with Robert. God has her in his hands and she´s asking him some of the questions she and I talked about. I know when I get to see her again she will welcome me with open arms. And always had the brightest eyes and biggest smile.
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247 North Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380
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