Janel Hoelscher Vaughn

Janel Marie Hoelscher Vaughn, 59, on December 4, 2013 went to soar with the beloved angels who have passed and our two PeePaws. She was surrounded by her loved ones at her residence in Bronte, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Janel was born on October 12, 1954 to Ray Gene and Jean (Gully) Hoelscher in Ballinger, TX. She grew up on the family farm in Rowena and was a true farmer’s daughter. Her favorite thing to do as a young girl was to run behind the tractor and plow, to feel and smell the fresh dirt. She became an exquisite athlete in high school, earning numerous awards and respect. Janel graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Rowena in 1973. She married the love of her life, James Lynn Vaughn, on July 3, 1973. They began their life in Bronte where they raised their two children. Janel started a career at Ethacon in San Angelo and was there for seven years. She then began working at Bronte ISD in 1980. She drove the school bus and managed the cafeteria for 28 years. She loved the kids and touched many lives while there. Following are some words from one special girl whom she touched.

“Before I leave this world, I want to make a difference in somebody’s life. I think we all want that. Janel made a difference in two small town country girls that were raised by their Dad. Our childhood was not the best but people like Janel helped us to survive. She waited countless mornings for us to get on the bus. She didn’t have the time to wait and didn’t have to wait, but she did. I’m forever grateful. When I think of strength plus beauty, I look at Janel. She was one of the toughest ladies I’ve ever met but also simply beautiful: A simple beauty, not one that needed make-up.”

Janel retired from Bronte ISD in 2008 but retirement wasn’t for her. She began working at the First National Bank of Sterling City in Bronte in September of 2008 where she remained until June of 2013.

The way Janel conducted herself and treated others with respect and dignity brought her the respect of many. She was loved by so many and touched more lives than she ever knew. Her greatest joy was her family and caring for them. A role that was greatly enhanced by the births of her grandchildren, Shandee RaeAnn, Dalton Charles, Kimberly Madison, Malaki Shae, and Alexis Lea. She loved being MeMa. They brought much joy to her life. Janel will forever be remembered for always taking care of everyone else first. Her love of life, family, and friends; love for the outdoors; and love for all the many kids she helped raise.

Janel was preceded in death by her father, Ray Gene Hoelscher (PeePaw) and her father-in-law, Bobby Joe Vaughn (PeePaw).

She is survived and loving remember by her family; devoted and loving husband of forty years, James Lynn Vaughn of Bronte; daughter, Teresa and husband Thad Metcalf of Forsan; son, Russel Lynn Vaughn of Garden City; granddaughters, Shandee RaeAnn, Kimberly Madison, Malaki Shae, and Alexi Lea; grandson, Dalton Charles; mother, Jean Hoelscher; mother-in-law, Marlene Vaughn; sisters, Cindy and husband Kent McMillan, Kay and husband Ronnie Halfmann; sister-in-law, Jolene and husband Jay Henderson; brothers, Gary Hoelscher and wife Lynette, John Hoelscher and wife Karen, Steve Hoelscher and wife Mary Lee, Chris Hoelscher and wife Kelliann; brother-in-law, Bruce Vaughn and wife Stormy; adopted daughter, Pam Hilliard; adopted sister, Carolyn Lesley. Also surviving are numerous loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and their families as well as extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of 5 North at Shannon Hospital, mostly Paulette, Yolanda, Katelyn, and Tiffany for their compassion and care, the wonderful staff at Ballinger Home Health with special thanks to Stephanie Hite, the care and support given by Odyssey Hospice especially Jamye, Sheri, and Kacee. The family can not express enough thanks to Pam Hilliard. Without her compassion, care, and support, we would have never made it through this. We would also like to express our gratitude to all of Mom’s many friends and neighbors whose support was a blessing. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to cancer research or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 14 in Rowena at St. Joseph Catholic Church.