Joan M. Knuth Vaught
April 13, 1935 ~ March 7, 2009
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Joan M. (Knuth) Vaught entered eternal life March 7, 2009. Born April 13, 1935, to parents, Catherine and Harold W. Knuth. Survived by loving husband, Fred Vaught of 52 years and sons, Richard (Sonja) Vaught of Parker and Daniel Vaught (Kristin Johnson) of Pueblo West; five special grandchildren, Leah and Brandon of Parker and Tyler, Megan and Amber of Pueblo West; sisters, Patricia L. Mueller, Jean Penn, Catherine Ames; brothers, Harold (Diane) Knuth, William Brown, Robert (Charlene) Nelson and Marvin Nelson; numerous nieces, nephews, including Cathy Ames-Farmer and Linda Harpel, and other family members and many friends.
Predeceased by parents, stepfather, John W. Nelson; brother, Donald Nelson;
in-laws, Fred and Lelah Vaught; brothers-in-law, Thomas C. Ames, Joseph B. Mueller and Kenneth R. Penn; and sister-in-law, Mary Brown.
Joan graduated in 1953 from Central High and received her BSBA degree from USC. She was the Outstanding Woman Accountant for 1980 and honored by American Society of Women Accountants in Denver.
Since 1970, Joan was involved with Altrusa International and held all local offices including President and District Secretary to the Governor through the years, as well as being instrumental in foundation status; 2008 Tribute to Women nominee; volunteered at the El Pueblo Museum; literacy tutor; received the Outstanding Woman Award in 1996 for Women's History Week; served on the YWCA Board of Directors for seven years, including past president.
Joan was employed by Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo as Director of General Accounting and Payroll, member of Colorado State Fiscal Managers, received a State Hospital SHARE award and in 1994, was honored as the Colorado State Outstanding Fiscal Employee of the Year. She retired with 37 years of service in 1995.
Joan will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She was a very loving, religious person who cherished her community, friends, pets and family – especially her five adorable grandchildren.
Viewing, with family present, from 4-6 p.m. will be Wednesday, March 11th, followed by a 6 p.m. Rosary at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3130 Morris. Interment at Imperial Memorial Gardens. Reception immediately following at St. Pius X Hall.
In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to the Pueblo Zoo or YWCA through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences: www.montgomerysteward.com.
I met Joan in a statistics class in college in 1979. We sat next to each other throughout the semester and we really connected.I absolutely adored her!Joan was an amazing and special person and will always hold a special place in my heart. She will be sadly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and her wonderful family.
Fred, Phyllis and I have been remembering days gone by, when Joan was active in Altrusa, and when we worked together at the State Hospital. We trust that your memories of your shared life will sustain you through this loss, and that you will find consolation with your family.
John and Phyllis Negomir
Sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.