Waltraud Anna Vaughan, née Thomas, passed peacefully on May 1, 2025 at the age of 94. She is survived by her four children: Dan, Evelyn, Robert, and Cindy; her four grandchildren: Kelby, Stuart, Anna, and Maureen; and her 7 great grandchildren.

Known as Wally to her friends, Waltraud lived a long and rich life across 2 continents. She was born in Ostheim vor der Rhön, Germany and came to America in 1953 with her husband, Command Sargent Major George Joseph Vaughan (1927-2007). Together they would raise their four children across the United States and Germany. After retiring from the army, they settled in Lousiville, KY. Waltraud devoted her life to her family and her community, acting as treasurer to the local Hiking Club for decades. She was fortunate enough to travel the world on hiking trips with friends and family throughout her retirement.

Waltraud was self-assured and kind, a font of helpful advice to her family. She believed, above all, in helping one another and in keeping community ties alive across oceans. In Waltraud's house there was nothing a good meal and conversation couldn't fix. She will be deeply missed by every single person in her life, but especially her children and grandchildren.

Her funeral service is 1:00pm Tuesday, May 6 at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Rd with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery.  Visitation is after 11:00am on Tuesday until the time of the service.

Memorial Gifts: The Fisher House or the ASPCA