Obituary of Louise Vaughan

(Vera) Louise (Helfrick) Vaughan, aged 96, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 22, 2009 in the early morning at Park Lane Nursing Home. Louise was born on June 29, 1913 in Pence, Kansas to Roy and Jessie Linsacum Helfrick; one of five siblings. She attended school in a one room country schoolhouse as a young girl, and was responsible for hitching up pony and buggy to drive her younger brother and sister to school. Her later school days were spent in Scott City at Scott Community High School where she graduated in 1932. Louise was lucky to be able to attend high school since her family farm was so far from town. She would travel to Scott City on Sunday and board with a woman through the week before traveling back to the farm to spend a day or two catching up on chores. On May 23, 1943, Louise married Homer Vaughan, longtime postmaster of Scott City, and would spend long hours wondering about, writing to, and missing Homer as many others did to their loved ones during World War II. Thankfully Homer returned safely, and two rambunctious daughters soon followed his return. Judy Kay was born in 1947 and Mary Lou was born in 1951, and the two of them would give their parents the gift of patience... eventually. As a young woman, Louise worked for the Scott County Clerk's office, but she spent most of her life as a homemaker and caregiver for family and friends. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, was a member of the United Methodist Women in which she was active in Joy's Circle. She loved to travel. She and Homer were members of the Good Sam Club, and spent many years hosting at the state park, traveling, camping, and visiting far away family and friends. Homer died on May 30, 1988 in Scott City. Louise then married Edgar Rose on December 10, 1989. Louise is preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, 3 sisters Thelma Hughes, Helen Shriver, and Elsie Mae Helfrick, 1 brother Donald Helfrick who was killed in maneuvers during WWII, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is survived by her 2 daughters: Judy and Steve O'Neil reside in Stillwater, Oklahoma and Mary Lou Vaughan lives near Guffey, Colorado. 4 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren: Maris (O'Neil) Russell lives with her husband and seven children in Clinton, Oklahoma. Stephanie Booth-Varnado resides with her husband and three children in Scott City, Kansas. Megan (O'Neil) McKinney lives with her husband and four children in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And Terry Booth lives in Clearwater, Florida with his two children. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30am, Friday, July 24, 2009 with the Rev. Dennis Carter presiding. Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % of Price & Son Funeral Home in Scott City. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.