In loving memory of our dear friend LaVaughn, Linda’s mother, who peacefully departed this world at the remarkable age of 104. She was not only an inspiration but a guiding light in our lives. Her longevity was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. LaVaughn's unwavering strength during challenging times became a source of comfort for all of us, as her mere presence instilled confidence and faith.

LaVaughn with her daughter Linda, and great-granddaughter, Skyla at the doll shop in Denver, Colorado

We were fortunate to have shared numerous adventures with her, from the joyous moments of making jam and noodles to the meticulous task of cleaning doll clothing. We even created a paper doll for her; she received over 100 cards from VDC members for her birthday one year. In 2020, we took questions from our friends online and interviewed LaVaughn at the doll shop. Despite her humble nature, LaVaughn unexpectedly became a social media star, captivating the hearts of people near and far. She never quite comprehended the adoration she received, but that only added to her charm.

Each experience was infused with laughter, warmth, and love. LaVaughn's spirit of adventure and her zest for life was infectious, reminding us to embrace every opportunity enthusiastically. Though she may no longer be physically present, the cherished memories will forever be etched in our hearts, serving as a reminder of her indomitable spirit. Our deepest condolences go out to her beloved daughter Linda and the rest of her family. LaVaughn, you will be dearly missed, and your absence leaves a void that can never be filled. May you rest in eternal peace, knowing you have touched our lives profoundly.

If you would like to send Linda a card, here is the address:

Linda Wall 12251 Strasburg Road, Strasburg, CO 80136

LaVaughn’s Obituary from her family

Nellie LaVaughn (Keene) Zink age 104 of Strasburg, CO passed away at The Denver Hospice in Denver, CO, on May 3, 2023.

She was known to her family and friends as LaVaughn, Grama and Great (for Great Gramma). She always went by LaVaughn claiming that Nellie was a name given to a milk cow. LaVaughn was born November 8, 1918; three days before the Armistice was signed ending World War I at her grandparent’s farm in Curtis, Nebraska. She was proceeded in death by her husband Loren L. Zink after celebrating 48 years of marriage. Loren passed away on May 4, 1985.

LaVaughn graduated from McCook Sr. High School in June of 1937. After graduating, she and Loren got married in Denver, CO on November 1,1937 and moved to Central City, CO where Loren worked in the mines. After a short time working the mines, LaVaughn and Loren were called upon to help on the family farm in Willow County, Nebraska. In the fall of 1939, they moved back to Central City. The happy couple remained in Colorado from then on, residing in Georgetown, Empire, Black Hawk and Englewood until they bought their final home in Denver CO in 1943.

LaVaughn was the proud mother of two children, Lynn, and Linda. She was a homemaker while her children grew and later worked for Woolworths in Downtown Denver before she found her final post working for Chiropractor Dr Charles Baker. LaVaughn loved to cook, can, quilt, sew, crochet, garden and haul her grand kids around. She made numerous quilts, afghans, and chocolate chip cookies for her family; she never seemed to stop moving.

LaVaughn was a survivor. In her lifetime she survived the Spanish Flu 1918, The Dust Bowl and Great Depression between 1929 and 1932. She witnessed the end of WWII in 1945, the Polio epidemic in 1952 and even at the age of 102, Covid couldn’t take her down.

LaVaughn resided in their home in Denver until the age of 99 when she moved to Strasburg, CO to live with her daughter and son in law, Linda and Gary until the Good Lord called her home at the age 104.

Preceding her death are her parents, three brothers LaMoine, Harold and his unnamed twin. LaVaughn is survived by her son Lynn Zink, daughter Linda Wall, grandchildren Kyle Hanson, Karrin Humbert, Kaitlin Wells and Ethan Zink, as well as her great grandchildren, Dana Humbert, Skyla Hansen, Paul Medina, Temperance Medina, and Ever Medina.

As God said:

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

II Corinthians 6: 16-18