Mass of Christian Burial for Vonita Vaughan was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Bill Schreiber was the officiant. Interment was at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Emmetsburg.
Vonita Lee Marie Francis Vaughan, daughter of Virgil and Viola (Booge) Auten, was born Aug. 17, 1934, in Mallard, Iowa. She received her education at St. Mary’s Catholic School.
On June 14, 1958, she was united in marriage to John Vaughan in Mallard. They were blessed with five children.
Vonita did painting and wall papering for many individuals in the area and then later began a cleaning service. She cleaned at several businesses in Emmetsburg, including banks, law offices, medical clinics and dental offices. Vonita was a fanatic about cleanliness not only at the businesses she cleaned but her home as well. Her children can attest to the importance of a well made bed and a spotless kitchen before going to bed. Vonita was also a poll watcher at local elections for many years.
She was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish in Emmetsburg. Vonita had a strong faith her entire life and faced the end of her life stoically, as a hailstorm pounded her window.
Vonita loved collecting antiques and was especially interested in collecting Black Americana antiques and artwork. She enjoyed getting together with family and friends. Her contagious laugh and her way of finding the positive in every situation made her a joy to spend time with.
She passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg at the age of 88. Vonita was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Viola; husband, John; twin infant daughters, Mary and Marie; brothers-in-law, Pat Vaughan, Tom Vaughan, and Dennis Schumacher; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Mary Vaughan.
Vonita is survived by her children: Joni and Ron Skowzgird of Rice Lake, Wisconsin; Jerry and Sue Vaughan of Tucson, Arizona; and Gene and Tracy Vaughan of Elk Grove, California; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Austin (Emily) Hagen and their children, Miriam and Wally; Adam (Lauren) Hagen; Allyson (Billy) Orr and their children, Nicolas, William, Benjamin and Owen; Alexa (Matt) Flannery and their children Aedan, Landon and Bella; Emily (Josh) Keating and their son, Beau; Jeremiah Vaughan and his daughter, Skylar; and John Vaughan; brothers: Virgil (Jo) Auten Jr. of Mallard; and ValDean (Karen) Auten of Mallard, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Mary Ellen Schumacher of Mallard; and Fran Vaughan of Mallard; along with many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
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