Wanda Lee Vaughn

Wanda Lee Vaughn was born to Hilton and Thelma Aycock in Phoenix, AZ, in 1934. She graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1953 and began to work for Mountain Bell in that same year. Wanda began as a secretary and finished in management in the Direct Yellow Pages department 30 years later. Following retirement, she took on the roles of managing a hotel, working in Walmart’s jewelry dept., delivering tourist brochures and volunteering at Quail Run Elementary where her brother was the principal. She enjoyed being busy and brought a tireless work ethic to every aspect of her life. Even years later she could still work circles around people half her age.

Wanda met a handsome jet pilot in Phoenix, John (Jack) McAdams (deceased), and they married in 1956. They moved to Montana to start their life together and begin a family of three children. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce and Wanda returned to Arizona where her loving parents helped her to raise her kids. She was a wonderful mom and selflessly gave herself to parenting.

While competing in a bowling league, she caught the eye of Kenneth Vaughn, and they began dating then married in 1977. Together, they enjoyed bowling, playing fast-pitch softball, seeing the country on their Honda Goldwing, and being involved in the activities of their grandkids. They enjoyed a full life until his passing in 1998.

Wanda leaves three children and their families: Shelia Bale (Dave) of Salem, OR; Brett McAdams (Dawndi) of DeBorgia, MT, and one grandchild - Weylin; Jolene Gulley-Bolton (Jeff) of Gilbert and four grandchildren - Buck, Rae, Trina and Trish and 10 great grandchildren – Sport, Rocket, Jerzi, Franki, Roxi, Scarlett, Montana, Allison, Bryson and Winnie. Wanda is also survived by Ken’s four children: Lori Dixon (Gael) of Avondale; Kristi Gilpin (Shayne) of Tennessee; Shari Whitehead (Robert) of Texas; Lance Vaughn (Kim) of North Carolina – with seven additional grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear siblings, Lloyd Aycock of Phoenix and Alice Castle of Casa Grande.

Wanda loved her family and enjoyed being involved in their lives! She cherished being with them, not doing anything in particular. Wanda also had dear friends in her neighbors and spent time taking them to appointments, going to lunch or just calling to check on them She loved being able to help. Her beloved dogs, Missy, Moose and Ween brought her much joy and companionship in recent years.

Mom, our hearts are broken at your leaving, but we know you are now with your greatest love, Jesus Christ. You always said that time passes so quickly, and we know that it won’t be too long before we see you again. Have you bowled your first 300 game yet? We love you forever, Mama!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park located at 200 W. Beardsley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027 on March 18, 2024. Funeral Service will occur at 11:00 AM followed by a Graveside Service at 12:00PM.

Mom’s favorite charity was St. Jude Children's Hospital. If you would like to make a donation in her name, please go to www.stjude.org