Ruby Carlene Vaughan

Ruby Carlene Watson Vaughan, 92, of Newland, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, at her residence.

Ruby was known to her family as, “Tootsie.” She was born in Avery County, NC on February 13, 1934, to the late Maude Snyder Watson and Samuel Avery Watson, Sr. In 1952, she married Andy Vaughan, III. Together, they founded, owned and operated Vaughan’s Blue Ridge Nursery, prior to retirement after 51 years. Ruby later volunteered at Cannon Memorial Hospital. She had a great personality and was loved by all. The Watson family members are regarded by those who know them best as having a special love and concern for God, each other and their fellow-man.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Carroll Watson, TJ Watson, Junior Watson, and Ralph Watson; two sisters, Bernice Vance and Clariece Wiseman; and a son-in-law, Steve Long.

She is survived by four children, Andy Vaughan, IV (Frances), Debbie Vaughan, Susan Long, and Amy Vaughan; two sisters, Beulah “Bootsie” Young and Fay Hughes; four grandchildren, Adrian Long (Michelle), Aaron Long (Ally), Kaley Kirby, and Garrett Pounds; and a great granddaughter, Emma Long.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Yellow Mountain Cemetery. Rev. David Hobson will officiate and Rev. Lonnie Barnes will assist.