Velma Viola Vaughn
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Velma Viola (Conger) Vaughn, 89, a 75-year resident of Baldwin City and Lawrence, KS, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at her home in Gresham, OR.
Velma was born on January 12, 1932, in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of James Edward and Verna Armada (Raham) Conger.
Preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Leroy (Toots) Vaughn on May 28, 1991, her parents James and Verna Conger, her sister Irma Else and husband William, and brothers Orville and Vern Conger, and her son-in-law Dale Creed.
Survivors include her daughter’s Coleen M. Creed, Lawrence, KS, and Connie S. Reineccius (Robert), Gresham, OR, her three grandchildren, Mary Creed, David Creed (Erica), Lawrence, KS, and Kristen Muse, Gresham, OR, and two sister’s-in-laws, Ulala Conger, Fairfield, IA and Linda Conger, Modesto, CA.
Velma married, Toots, the love of her life, on June 19, 1949, at age 17. She stepped into the role of a farmer’s wife, a life in which she was very well suited and did it with beauty, dignity, ease, and grace. For several years after their daughter, Coleen, was born, she was an Army wife, and then back to the farm, later to become a ranch manager’s wife. She was heavily involved with the Douglas County Extension Office, and the Worden Workers 4-H Club (she was the cooking leader for decades). Velma was such an excellent cook, she worked as the Head Cook at Marion Spring Elementary School for 14-years, a job she loved as much as she loved the students and staff. Velma completed one of her biggest goals by completing her GED in June 1988. Seven-years after Toots passed, Velma left farm life behind and moved to an apartment “in town.” She worked in the Prairie Common’s complex library for more than 10 years, which was a natural fit for her since reading was her biggest passion. Velma had just moved to Gresham, OR in August 2021, to live with her youngest daughter. She spent her time bird and squirrel watching, talking to the friendly hummingbirds, playing with the kitties, and watching old westerns and BBC comedies on the television with the family.
The greatest joys in her life where her two daughters. She was so proud of the women they became and their careers. Coleen retired from teaching middle school in 2017 and Connie retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force Reserve in 2002 and then the Department of Defense as a Civilian in 2010. She was also immensely proud of how they loved and raised their children. Her three grandchildren were always her pride and joy and she bragged on them all the time.
Per Velma’s wishes, there will be no viewing or church service, only a private graveside service will be held at the Worden Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS, date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, Velma asked that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Connie and Colleen,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you reflect on your mom’s wonderful life.
So many memories to help you find comfort with your loss.
I know there was love and joy on her face to be home with Toots again.
Connie and Coleen — Your mom was such a great person! I have fond memories of visits to your house as a little kid. Find comfort in the wonderful memories and the fact that her and your Dad are together again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce Vaughn: Coleen and Connie: I have such fond memories of Aunt Velma and Uncle Toots. They made a joyful couple, If I can help in anyway please call me, I am back in Lawrence.
Coleen and Connie,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Velma was such a joyful person and I fondly remember all the wonderful school lunches that she prepared at Marion Springs. My you find comfort in all your memories.
Margaret Metsker Kalb
Coleen and Connie – Prayers said and sent for all. I will miss my Aunt Velma. I still miss Uncle Toots. Visiting your family every summer at the farm while growing up was always a joyful time. I loved them both with all my heart.
Coleen and Connie,
My sympathy to both of you on the passing of your mother.
I have fond memories of her. She was quite a character. She was a great cook and made delicious cinnamon rolls for the lunches at Marion Springs. Prayers to you and your families.
Connie Churchbaugh Hey
Coleen and Connie,
Murray and I are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Lots of good memories of her out going personality, not only from Marion Springs but 4-H also. It’s always hard to lose a parent so I hope all your wonderful memories of your Mom help you remember how she lived. Hugs and prayers to your family.
Connie,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. So glad she got to spend her last days with you and your family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for the families loss, I have so many fond memories of Velma from the years I knew her through Marion Springs. She was such a joy. To this day, I make her hot cocoa mix for my kids and grandkids and every time I do, I think of Velma. She touched many lives without even knowing it.
Sending my condolences.