Donna Vaughan

Donna Marie (French) Vaughan, 82, of Winterset, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2024 in the comfort of her home.

Donna was born on October 24, 1941 at the residence of her parents, Hulett Perry and Edith (Spillers) French in Dexter, Iowa where she grew up and graduated high school in 1959. She went to work for Bell Telephone in order to save money and attend Northwest Missouri State College for two years. Donna married Donald Henry of Earlham, Iowa on June 7, 1963. Together in their 22 years of marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Becky and Christy.

On May 19, 1987, Donna and Milton Davis Vaughan were married. They enjoyed spending their time with one another; attending fellowship events, antiquing, and adding to their hobby collections - hers being lions and lambs, Blue Willow, cookie cutters of all sorts and many cookie cookbooks.

When her girls were little, Donna operated a cottage bakery out of her home that she named, The Cake Cache, which specialized in wedding cakes. She was also employed by the Winterset School District for 35 years, retiring in 2011. Donna enjoyed several positions there throughout the years; administrative assistant, elementary librarian, and district printer. In 2004, Donna completed her studies of Lay Education for Adults in Religion for Now and the future (LEARN) and served as pastor at the Pitzer United Presbyterian Church in Pitzer, Iowa for over 10 years.

Donna was a devoted member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Winterset and served in various capacities and positions. Donna shared her faith in God and her love of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, in her everyday life. In 2014, Donna was recognized as “Faithful Through the Years” by the Des Moines Presbytery Older Adult Ministries Task Force.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milt; daughter, Becky; her parents; her brothers, Bob French and Dean French; and sister, Nada Dwyer.

She is survived by her daughter, Christy Henry of Winterset; stepdaughter, Kathy (Derrin) Day of Everly; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; adopted son by love, Mark Howland; and a host of many adored friends and caring neighbors.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Winterset. Family will greet friends one hour prior, beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Donna’s chosen charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.