Rita Lucille (Miller) Vaughan

On Good Friday, March 29, 2024, Mom's prayers were answered as she peacefully made her way to Heaven. She was blessed with 103 years of strong faith, a large loving family, happiness and good health. Mom was a legend to all those who had the good fortune of knowing her.
Rita Lucille Louise Miller Vaughan was born December 16, 1920 in Akron to Henry and Catherine Miller where she joined siblings Virginia, Francis (Dutch) and Gene, then Eileen (all deceased). Mom attended Annunciation grade school where she developed lifelong friendships. Later, the "Club Sisters" enjoyed monthly get-togethers but she loved hosting them on St. Patrick's Day, her favorite holiday.
After graduating from East High School (Class of 1937), Mom went to work at B. F. Goodrich where she met George Vaughan. They married in 1942 and soon added six children. Dad built the family home on Messner Road and it was in this new neighborhood that Mom met her dearest friend, Elizabeth Vorhies. They were devout Catholics and attended 6:30 a.m. daily Mass together at St. Francis de Sales. Mom continued daily Mass for over 60 years and when she went home, she'd go through her stack of holy cards, praying for each person who had gone before her. For many years she enjoyed morning Masses at St. Paul Parish and would have coffee after at "the B & K" with her many friends from Firestone Park.
Mom began working for the US Postal Service at the age of 54 and loved going to work, and most of all, the young people she met and the friends she made. She led the Senior Social Club at St. Francis de Sales for 25 years and enjoyed twice a month games of euchre with more of her dear friends.
Mom lived alone until the age of 101 when she was invited to move down the road to Chrissie and Dick's home. Even as she aged these last two years, her mind remained sharp. Each morning, she would work on her sudoku puzzle and enjoyed playing euchre and 500 rummy. When asked her secret to longevity, Mom's reply was consistently "I don't drink and I don't chew, and I don't go with the boys who do!" But the truth is, her strong faith and wonderful family is what kept her going.
She was preceded in death by her husband George Vaughan, and leaves children Kathleen Vaughan, Newport Beach, CA; James (Cherie) Vaughan, Akron; Julianne Vaughan, Myrtle Beach, SC; Beth Sanfillipo, Orange, CA; Mary (Marty) Mahaley, Houston, TX; and her Caregivers and Angels on Earth Christine and Richard Robbins. She dearly loved her 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Calling hours will be Thursday, April 4 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301 with funeral Mass at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319, Friday, April 5 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis de Sales Parish in her name.

May we all celebrate a life well lived and a peaceful death well deserved!

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