Deana Lynn Vaughn, a cornerstone of the Hulbert community and the heart of her family, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 50. Born on June 15, 1975, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Deana lived a life defined by her immense generosity, sharp wit, and an open-door policy that ensured no one ever left her presence hungry.
Deana was a woman of distinct tastes and many talents. Known to “live part-time” in the clearance section of Walmart, she was an expert hunter of deals and a master of crafts. Whether she was sewing, attending craft shows, or tending to her love of sunflowers and Holstein cows, she brought a creative spirit to everything she touched. She was rarely seen without two things: a cold, sweet tea and a bag of snacks. While she was a dedicated lab receptionist at Northeastern Health Systems, her true passion was people. Deana possessed a legendary memory; she knew everyone by name and could recite their entire family tree at a moment's notice. She was also known for her quick wit, often joking that she couldn't spend too much time in the sun because she disliked sweating and was afraid she might melt.
Deana’s kitchen was the soul of her home. A cook who could feed an army, she took immense pride in nourishing her community. Her favorite tradition was feeding the Hulbert basketball team before every home game, a testament to her love for the sport and the kids in her town. When she wasn't at a game or behind a sewing machine, she was pursuing her passion for helping others by attending school for Advocacy and Justice Services. At home, she was always surrounded by her loyal pack of dogs: Elvis, Bell, Hazel, and Charlie.
Of all her titles, “Gee” was her favorite. Her grandchildren were her world, and she poured her love into them with the same ferocity she used to cheer from the basketball bleachers.
Deana is survived by her mother, Velma Burke, and husband Shannon of Hulbert; sons, Trenton Vaughn and his wife Krista of Hulbert, Chase Vaughn of Wagoner, and Tanner Vaughn and his fiancée Brylee of Wagoner; her daughters, Chelsea Gibbons and her husband Josh of Park Hill, and Tenlee Vaughn of Hulbert. She also leaves behind her sister, Trina Hooks; her step-brother, Tommy Lemasters; and her step-sisters, Melinda Fairchild and her husband Bobby, and Melissa Moore and her husband Synica. Deana was a proud grandmother to Gunner, Grayson, and Ella Gibbons, as well as Chrissy, Kimber, and Kutter Vaughn, along with numerous other family members and loved ones.
She is now reunited with those who preceded her in death, including her dad, Dewey Vaughn, her grandson, Remington Vaughn, her grandmothers, Flo Hudson and Wilma Vaughn, her grandfather, Alvin Vaughn, and her aunt, Robbie Vaughn.
Her memory will live on in every basketball game played, every quilt stitched, and every glass of sweet tea raised in her honor.
Visitation will take place at Reed-Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah on January 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held at the Hulbert High School Gymnasium on January 12, 2026, at 10:00 am. Deana will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery following the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Trenton Vaughn, Chase Vaughn, Tanner Vaughn, Logan Cook, John Woolley, and Corey Kerr. Honorary pallbearers include Chelsea Gibbons, Tenlee Vaughn, Spencer "Judy" Moore, Billy Soban, Colt Young, and Kevin Botts.
