It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marthajayne (MJ) Vaughan, 88, on June 4, 2026. MJ was born on August 21, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Martha (Balthrop) and J.C. Morris.
The three moved to Cody, Wyoming, in 1945, where J.C. had a job at Husky Refinery. They later owned a family grocery store until they moved to Laramie, Wyoming, when MJ was a senior in high school. She graduated from Laramie High School and attended both Cody and Laramie High School reunions, maintaining lasting friendships with people from both schools.
MJ attended the University of Wyoming, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1959 and receiving her master’s degree in 1962. She married Charles Ferrin in 1958, and they had a daughter, Marty. After her divorce, MJ married Charles (Chuck) Vaughan in 1962. MJ and Chuck had two sons, Eddie and Jon. They owned and managed Center Pharmacy until Chuck’s death in 1982. MJ then continued to manage Center Pharmacy until she sold it in 1993 and moved to Fort Collins with Marty in 2001.
MJ was a member of Alpha Chapter #1, Order of the Eastern Star, in Laramie, where she received her 50-year pin. She supported Job’s Daughters and DeMolay through the years. MJ helped start Project Graduation for Laramie High School graduating seniors and was active in the Laramie business community. She enjoyed bridge, golf, and watching Wyoming Cowboys sports.
After retiring to Fort Collins, MJ continued to play bridge, walk with her neighbors, and enjoy water aerobics classes at the Fort Collins Senior Center.
MJ is survived by her daughter, Marty; son Eddie (CeeAnn); son Jon (Patti); and stepdaughter Laurie Dyke (George). She is also survived by her grandchildren Robert, Lisa, Jordan, Jessica, Ashley, Stephanie, Hadley, Corinne, and Libby, as well as eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and J.C.; her husband, Chuck Vaughan; and her stepdaughter, Janine Arnold.
MJ loved the Wyoming Cowboys and was a Cowboy fan for life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Laramie Plains Museum or the Animal Humane Society in your area.
MJ will be laid to rest at Greenhill Cemetery. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
