Mrs. Ruth Augusta Vaughan

Ruth Augusta (Kuhl) Vaughan, age 92, of Murray, passed peacefully on October 13, 2026. Born on August 20, 1934, in Manchester, Michigan, Ruth lived a long, remarkable life filled with faith, compassion, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Ruth loved her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren more than anything in the world. Being “Granny Ruth” was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them. Her love extended to all dogs as well—she welcomed countless dogs into her home over the years, caring for them with the same tenderness she gave her family. 
Ruth’s faith guided her throughout her life. She loved the Lord deeply and dedicated herself to sharing His word. She was a devoted member of Westside Baptist Church. One of her most meaningful acts of service was volunteering in a women’s prison ministry, where she offered encouragement, hope, and spiritual support to those in need. 
Ruth worked for many years in food services at Murray State University, where she eventually retired. During her time there, she met students from all over the world and formed lifelong friendships. She traveled with several of them back to their home cities and countries, embracing new cultures and experiences. Each Thanksgiving, she opened her home to international college students, ensuring they had a warm meal and a place to celebrate. Her love of travel took her far and wide—from castles across Germany and Europe to historic journeys along the Lewis and Clark Trail. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her granddaughter, creating cherished memories on every trip they shared together.  
Ruth was a lifelong learner who loved history and reading. She earned her GED at the age of 62. After completing her GED, she continued college classes to pursue a deeper knowledge of the things she enjoyed.  
Ruth is survived by her granddaughter and grandson‑in‑law, Savannah and David Alvey; great‑granddaughter Anniston Alvey; great‑grandsons Graham, Korben, and Holden Alvey, all of Calvert City; her bonus grandchildren Taleia Morgan, Benjamin Kimball, and Cameron Kimball, and nieces Gretchen Harrelson, Regina Kaiser, and Kathy Pierce.  
She was preceded in death by her three beloved children Victor Hanneman, Linda Hanneman, and Max Witzler, her parents Robert and Augusta (Wuestefeld) Kuhl, her brothers Eugene Kuhl and Kenneth Kuhl, and her niece, Vanessa Castro. 
Ruth’s life was defined by love, generosity, faith, and curiosity. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, adventure, devotion, and her feisty personality that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Glynn Orr officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Westside Baptist Church, 207 Robertson Road South, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com