Carla Vaughn

Carla Vaughn, age 71, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. She was born on August 20, 1954, and lived a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

Known lovingly by a few family members and close friends as “Carla Bob,” an inside joke that always brought smiles and laughter, Carla had a warm spirit and a heart devoted to those she loved. She took pride in always looking her best, remembered by one of her granddaughters as “always put together.” Whether attending church, spending time with family, or helping in the community, Carla carried herself with grace and kindness.

Carla deeply loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. She treasured every opportunity to gather with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. She also had a lifelong love of reading and enjoyed researching family history and building family trees, preserving memories and connections for future generations.

She graduated from Mt. Ida High School with the Class of 1973 and later attended National Park Community College, where she pursued coursework toward a business degree. Carla dedicated more than 30 years of service to Sears, retiring when the Hot Springs store closed.

A faithful Baptist, Carla was a proud member of Gospel Light Baptist Church at the Lake Hamilton Campus. She faithfully served in the nursery and was always willing to help wherever needed. She also served on the Board of the Montgomery County Heritage House Museum and loved participating in and supporting its events and mission.

Carla was preceded in death by her father, James Brasher.

She is survived by her loving mother, Nancy Brasher; her son, Shannon Rowland and her daughter, Jennifer Walden (Jason); her sisters, Robin McCulloch (Troy) and Paula Sheets (Teno); her brother, Jimmy Brasher; her grandchildren, Lauren Davis (James), Kara Rowland, TJ Walden, Ty Walden (Alyssa), and Mattie Walden; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Lydia, Lennox, and Spencer.

A Visitation with family will be held on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights Street, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

A Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM at Owley Cemetery in Mt. Ida, AR.

Active pallbearers will be Lauren Davis, Kara Rowland, TJ Walden, Ty Walden, and Mattie Walden.

Honorary pallbearers are the devoted CNAs of the Montgomery County Nursing Home, who loved Carla as their own grandmother and brought her comfort, laughter, friendship, and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Montgomery County Heritage House Museum, P.O. Box 1362, Mt. Ida, AR 71957, or to Owley Cemetery, P.O. Box 692, Mt. Ida, AR 71957.

Carla will be remembered for her strong faith, her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.