Vivian Colleta Vaughn passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 6th, 2019 in Columbus, Montana. She was born Vivian West on October 30, 1934, to Grover West and Ada (Hall) West on the family homestead near Omega, New Mexico. She was the last of 10 brothers and sisters in the family. Of the ten, only her next older brother Otho still survives.

She is preceded by her husband Leroy Vaughn; parents Grover and Ada; sisters Shirley, Inez and Zona; brothers Weldon, Lewis, Curtis, Elmo and Herschel.

She is survived by her children Vickie Gibson and husband Paul of Columbus, Montana, Ronnie Vaughn and wife Judi of Farmington, New Mexico, Jerry Vaughn and wife Diana and Stanley Vaughn of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Also, five grandchildren Rusty, Stephanie, Herschel, Tyler and Ashley; seven great-grandchildren, Colter, Desirae, Danielle, Drew, Autumn, Charlee and Gabriella Vivian.

Vivian grew up on the family homestead in New Mexico. When her father's health became an issue, the family moved back to Caddo Gap, Arkansas. She graduated from Caddo Gap High School.

She then moved to Albuquerque where several of her brothers had settled after World War II. She went to cosmetology school in Albuquerque and was working in a beauty shop. It was there where she met Leroy Vaughn. They were married in January 1955. After they were married, they lived in Amarillo, Texas. Jerry and Stanley were born in Amarillo at this time.

They returned to Albuquerque then. Leroy worked for Creamland Dairies and was transferred to Espanola and Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their daughter Vickie was born while in Los Alamos. Leroy was then transferred to Grants and Milan, New Mexico.

While in Milan, Leroy and Vivian owned the Dinner Bell Cafe for many years. During this time Vivian also owned the Milan Beauty Shop; not once but on two different occasions. Their son Ronnie was born while living in Milan.

After living and working for many years in the Grants area, they moved to a home near Bayfield, Colorado. They eventually moved back to Milan. It was at this time that Leroy passed away from cancer.

Vivian lived in Grants & Milan for several years after Leroy was gone. About 1994, she moved to Columbus, Montana to be near Vickie and her grandkids. While in Columbus, she worked at several places. Apple Village Restaurant, she managed the Columbus Laundromat and worked at Uncle Sams. She made many friends over the years in Columbus.

Services will take place at the Smith Funeral Chapel in Columbus, Montana on March 23, at 11:00 AM. There will be additional services in Grants, New Mexico at a later date. Vivian’s ashes will be interred in Leroy’s gravesite at that time.