Donna Rae Vaughan

Donna Rae Bocek Vaughan passed away July 12, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born January 6, 1945, to Paul and Gladys Bocek in Rawlins, Wyoming. As the youngest of six children she kept them on their toes. In 1955 the Bocek clan moved to Lava Hot Springs where she sipped sodas at her mother's café and was the apple of her father's eye.

At the age of 10 she noticed a boy, and by age 13 she said she was going to marry that same boy. Her parents quickly whisked her away to parochial school in Salt Lake City. Upon returning home, she snagged Harold John Vaughan and married him on April 29, 1961. Starting out in Pocatello, Idaho, they moved to McCammon and eventually to Downey, where they planted roots with their family. In October 2019, Donna went through the LDS temple in Logan, UT, where she was sealed to Johnny and their children for time and eternity.

Donna was a fiercely devoted mother and wife. She was the definition of resilience and never gave up on those she loved. At the age of 50, she lost the love of her life and put all her energy into loving and supporting her family. From helping on the farms, to cooking in the restaurant, supporting her family out of state, and helping with her grandchildren, Donna was always busy.

She kept herself busy until 2013 when her body forced her to slow down. She was known as a "miracle woman", surviving numerous aneurysms. She showed how resilient she could be from the age of 16 to the age of 27 when she brought six amazing kids (three boys and three girls) who she liked to remind that she was the momma and the only momma.

Each one was special to her and she made them feel like they were her favorite. She smiled with 30 grandchildren, 32 great-grandkids, and 1 great-great-grand kid (not to mention the ones she adopted along the way). Her smile and laughter could brighten any room.

She leaves behind six children: Stacy (Fred) Burmester, Tracy (Holly) Vaughan, Mike (Shelley) Vaughan, Lisa (Steve) Toly, Shane Vaughan, Shawna (Dustin) Vaughn, and stepdaughter Valarie (Bill) Jenkins, 32 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and sister Florence (Sonny) Berti.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny, granddaughter Stephanie, parents Gladys and Paul, brothers Albert, Les, and Joe, sister Mary, sister-in-laws Joan, Wilma (Willie) and Lee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Click here for the Livestream of Donna's Service