Rita E. (Ryan) Vaugh

HOLDEN – Rita E. (Ryan) Vaugh passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Born in Worcester, Rita was the daughter of Gerald W. and Agnes L. (Dowd) Ryan. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond E. Vaugh in 2009.

Rita spent her early years in Worcester before moving to Holden with her husband Raymond, where she would live happily for the rest of her life raising a family and making a home.

She was a homebody who truly enjoyed being at home. Together with Raymond, she worked tirelessly over the years to improve their house. When she thought it was time that they added a porch, Raymond got home from work that day to find(to his surprise) that she had already begun digging the foundation. They did all the work themselves and there are at least a dozen layers of wallpaper in the kitchen, all hung by Rita. (Two complete jobs done the same day when she decided that the floral pattern she had chosen wasn't quite right and should be coffee pots instead.) When you are fixing up a home, there are many materials to purchase and another thing Rita excelled at was shopping. To say she was a bargain hunter would be an understatement. Two of her favorite words were sale and clearance. She was a talented seamstress, making everything from curtains to sports jackets to wedding gowns. She also enjoyed crocheting and made beautiful afghans. Rita had a deep love of nature and all animals, especially cats which were always part of their home including a span of time when there were ten along with two dogs.

She is survived by her sons, Russell E. Vaugh of Hudson, Gerald W. Vaugh and his wife, Kathy of Jefferson, and Robert T. Vaugh of Holden; a daughter, Cheryl A. Vaugh of Ware; five grandchildren, Christina, Melissa, Virginia, Robert and Stephen; eight great-grandchildren, Liam, Ainsley, Rowan, Amara, Chloe, Abigail, Chayton and Landon; and her dear cat, Belle. She is predeceased by both of her parents, Gerald W. and Agnes L. (Dowd) Ryan, and two brothers, Gerald J. Ryan and Robert E. Ryan.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, July 24, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Funeral Service honoring the life of Rita will be held the following day, Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

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