Helen Virginia Vaughn, cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. She was born on Leap Day, February 29, 1984, in Casper, to Albert Edward Moerke and Debra Jane Moerke.
Helen found lifelong happiness when she married her loving husband, Matthew Lewis Vaughn, on July 29, 2006, in her hometown of Casper. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared 20 years of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their union was blessed with two wonderful sons, Landon Vaughn and Alex Vaughn, and one daughter, McKenzie Vaughn.
Known for her caring nature, compassion, and dedication to helping others, Helen spent 15 years working as a medical assistant at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. Her career was a true testament to her compassionate spirit and her commitment to helping others.
Helen attended schools in Casper, and Surprise, Arizona, and proudly graduated from Cactus High School in 2002.
Helen found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. She loved camping, crafting, fishing, traveling, and spending time at the beach. She also enjoyed theater and musicals and had an appreciation for the many things that brought happiness and laughter into her life. Above all, Helen’s greatest joy was always found in spending time with her family. The moments shared with those she loved were the memories she treasured most.
Helen leaves behind a devoted family, including her loving husband, Matt Vaughn; her sons, Landon and Alex Vaughn; her father Al Moerke and mother Debra Moerke;ย father-in-law, Jim Vaughn and mother-in-law Rose Vaughn of Hanna; her brothers, Jason Helmick and wife Cristy or Fort Collins, Colorado, and Charles Moerke of Fort Irwin, California; her sisters, Elizabeth Riley and husband Wes of Austin, Texas, Katie Moerke of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Courtney Moerke of Green River; her grandmother-in-law, Sylvia Emerson of Mesquite, Nevada; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her precious daughter, McKenzie Vaughn; her paternal grandparents, Ned and Helen Moerke; her maternal grandparents, David Jr. and Janice Fleming; and her grandparents-in-law, Denver Schweighauser, Leroy Vaughn, and Laura Vaughn.
Funeral service for Helen will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Hill Church atย 405 Faith Drive, Green River, Wyoming. Graveside services and interment will be in Riverview Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather together to honor Helen’s life, celebrate the love she shared with so many, and remember the beautiful memories she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations in Helen’s memory be directed to Trona Valley FCU, in care of Matt Vaughn, 840 Hitching Post Drive, Green River, Wyoming 82935.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Helen’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, grace, compassion, and devotion to her family and community. She touched the lives of so many through her kindness, caring heart, and unwavering love for those around her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
