Obituary of Ruth Vaughan

Ruth Elizabeth Vaughan On the afternoon of July 6, 2023, Ruth passed away from cardiac arrest at her home in Hillsboro, Oregon. She was 87 years old. Born in Bellingham, Washington on December 25, 1935, Ruth was the third child of Archie and Erva Rairdon. She grew up in Bellingham surrounded by family. Her maternal grandmother lived with them and there were frequent family gatherings with local and visiting relatives. A good student with excellent grades, Ruth attended Bellingham High School and then Western Washington University where she majored in elementary education. While she was attending college, she met Bill Vaughan, who she later married in August of 1956, after a two-year engagement. They had two children together. In 1968, the family moved permanently to Hillsboro, Oregon, where Ruth worked as a secretary for the superintendent of the Forest Grove School District for 22 years. Ruth’s faith was a big part of her life. She and her husband were founding members of Alliance Bible Church (now Arise Church) in Hillsboro, Oregon, which was started in 1974. Over the years, Ruth helped organize many church functions and was quite active in the church community. Family was very important to Ruth, she loved having get-togethers and cooking for everyone. She made staying in touch with family members a priority. Over the years, Ruth and her husband took their children and grandchildren on many memorable camping trips in their RV. Loving and caring, Ruth always showed genuine concern for the welfare of others. She was a very special person, with a great sense of humor, a ready smile, and a joyous laugh. Her hobbies included genealogy and collecting vintage china. She was a cat person and also a sports fan. She enjoyed traveling and being in nature. She loved music of many genres and she loved to sing. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bob and Don Rairdon; a grandson, and an infant granddaughter. Ruth is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bill; son, Darrell Vaughan; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Ivan Gower; 3 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Ruth is laid to rest at Valley Memorial Park & Funeral Home 3929 SE Tualatin Valley HWY, Hillsboro OR 97123. In honor of Ruth’s memory, a celebration of life service will be held at Arise Church 4174 SE Bentley St, Hillsboro, OR 97123 on July 29, 2023 from 2-4 pm.