Melissa Kay Vaughn, 58, passed away peacefully Wednesday February 8, 2017 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by her husband and children. Melissa was born in Wichita, KS to Theodore Loudenback and Mary Slagle. She was the second youngest child in a family of five girls. Melissa met her soulmate, David Vaughn, in Lawrence, KS at their place of work. Together, they had two beautiful children, a daughter Mariah Kathryn and a son David Elliot. She worked as a florist and homemaker. Melissa, will always be remembered for her full of life personality. Her favorite past times were dancing, singing, gardening, and cooking. She had an incredible love for animals and nature. Butterflies were an important symbol in her life, and something she held very close to her heart. Melissa loved her children deeply, and was so incredibly proud of all their accomplishments. Her daughter, Mariah, will graduate in May with her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Elliot, her son, is a deputy sheriff in Shawnee County, KS. She looked forward to being a loving grandmother.
Melissa was preceded in death by her father, mother, and sister. She is survived by her husband, two children, and three sisters. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved cats and dog.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18th at Central United Methodist Church, 1501 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS. The service will be followed by a gathering that will include lots of love, laughter, and sharing of stories.
Condolences and flowers may be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. www.rumsey-yost.com
