Obit: Pettibone, Vaughn Carole (1932 – 2009)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Pettibone, Smoke, Miner, Olvera, WhiteEagle, Big John, Smith, Hopinka, Decorah

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) November 4, 2009

Pettibone, Vaughn Carole (24 may 1932 – 27 October 2009)

Vaughn Carole (Miner) Pettibone, 77, of Black River Falls passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield.  She was born in a Ci poro ke May 24, 1932, to Victory and Hilda (Smoke) Miner in Columbia County.

She married the late Gavin R “G-man” Pettibone Sept. 9, 1953.  In addition to having lived in Black River Falls, the couple also lived in Madison, Watertown, Portage and Roswell, NM.

She had been employed at the Canning Factory in Portage, danced at the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial in Wisconsin Dells, and worked at the Pizza Plant in Black River Falls.

Vaughn also attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for early childhood education.  She also worked for the Ho-“Chunk Nation in various departments including the Head Start Program, Sands Bingo Hall, Gaming Commission, and Election Board.

Vaughn loved winning at bingo, going to Pow-wows and riding around.  She also enjoyed having her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her all the time.  Vaughn was a very caring and giving person to everyone she came in contact with.

She is survived by three sons, Reginald (Marca) Pettibone of Livonia, MI, Lionel (Sharon) Pettibone of Hixton, Clarence Pettibone of Black River Falls; four daughters, Crystal (Ed) Pettibone, Melissa (Luis) Olvera, Gina (Vilas) WhiteEagle and Tari Pettibone, all of Black River Falls; 27 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Dolli Big John of Wittenberg; and several other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Vaughn was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Hilda; husband, Gavin; daughter, Shari Jo Pettibone; great-grandson, John Smith; brother, Chauncey Hopinka.

Traditional Native American funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at noon, at Vaughn Pettibone’s residence, W8696 Pettibone Pass.  Roberta Decorah officiated.  Burial was in Decorah Cemetery, Town of Komensky Black River Falls.  Family and friends were invited for visitation Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Family and friends were also invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the residence.  Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.