Ruth (Miller) Vaughters

1925-2026

WINTER HAVEN, Florida — Ruth (Miller) Vaughters, 101, passed away on April 24, 2026. Ruth was a resident of Astoria Senior Living at Vienna Square, in Winter Haven, Florida.

Ruth was born on Feb. 2, 1925, in Portsmouth, Ohio to parents, Emory Miller and Annetta (Cropper) Miller. Ruth was a 1943 graduate of Portsmouth High School. Ruth met her future husband, Wells Vaughters, upon his return from the U.S. Navy, while they were both employed at the Security National Bank in Portsmouth, Ohio. They were married on March 27, 1947. Wells continued his work at Security National and Ruth became a homemaker and mother. Wells took a new position with the First National Bank in Salem, Ohio. They moved to Salem, Ohio in June 1960.

Ruth loved taking care of her family, picnicking, gardening, interior decorating, needlework, collecting antiques, collecting recipes, party planning, being a party hostess, getting dressed up, and dancing. She took great pride in her Red Farm House in Salem. She started the first dancercise group and was the volunteer instructor at the Memorial Building in Salem for many years. Ruth and Wells were active members of the Salem Golf Club and Salem Country Club during their years in Salem, participating in many adult and family activities. Through the years she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader in Portsmouth and Salem.

Ruth loved the outdoors and especially the woods. Her family had a camping cabin complex and lake in southern Ohio that was named “Happy Cove.” She had wonderful family memories of the many years while growing up and spending time there. As a wedding anniversary gift, Wells had a cabin in the woods built for her in rural Salem. They experienced many memorable outings with family and friends over the years at their “Happy Cove” in Salem.

Ruth and Wells moved to Lake Wales, Florida upon retirement in 1987. Ruth carried on her volunteer, dancercise instruction in Lake Wales at the YWCA. She became involved in many organizations during retirement and continued her many favorite activities, volunteering, and weekly dancing.

Upon the death of Wells on Dec. 4, 1993, Ruth moved to Winter Haven, Florida. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Lenny Ann Myers of Lakeland, Florida, her brother, Robert E. Miller of Portsmouth, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wells; son-in-law, Richard L. Myers; parents; and sister, Elizabeth Manley.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and remembered as a fun loving addition to any gathering. Ruth will be buried with her husband at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven, Florida.

There will be no calling hours. A private family Celebration of Life, graveside service, and burial will take place at a later date.

5/1/26