Born: June 22, 1935 Myrtle Springs, Texas
Died: April 15, 2024 Sun City West, Arizona
Martha Wynez “Nez” (Vaughn) Dean was born June 22, 1935 in Myrtle Springs, Texas to her parents, Polk Lee and Lillian Omega Vaughn. Her family relocated to Sunnyside, WA in the early 1950’s. It was there that the petite beauty met and fell in love with her first and only love, Dale Gene Dean. They were wed on November 22, 1953 in Sunnyside, WA; a marriage that would span 70 years. She and Dale joyfully welcomed three children, Dale “Ed” Dean (Cindy Clark Dean), Karen Dean Moskvin and Clifford Dean (Peggy Ewing Dean).
Dale’s aerospace career led the family to several destinations, from California, Texas, Oregon and Washington. Their love of the outdoors were passed on to their children through their many camping and hiking adventures. Later, Nez would lovingly welcome seven grandchildren, Jon, Jeffrey, Jessica, Emily, Sara, Terina and Justin. Nez was the consummate grandmother and her grandchildren all adored her.
Once Nez and Dale retired, they enjoyed many years RV’ing across the US and Mexico. They stockpiled memories that kept them reminiscing and laughing throughout their golden years. After their travels, they settled into retirement in their home in Yakima, WA, where Nez had the time to enjoy her many hobbies that she loved. She was a florist, seamstress, crocheter, knitter, scrumptious cook, and a very accomplished and award-winning watercolor painter. She spent many of her days in Yakima enjoying the company of her cousins, Lee, Norma and Shirley. These gals shared many laughs together. Nez was a faithful Christian, attending her church in Yakima with her beloved church family.
Later, Dale and Nez moved to sunny Arizona where they continued to bask in their retirement. It was during this time that Nez often referred to it as being their “golden years”. Over the years, she lovingly welcomed 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter who will arrive this May.
It is so often written how wonderful a person is once they are gone. However, those who were fortunate enough, and to be blessed to have had her in their lives, know that saying how wonderful Nez was, was an understatement. If there are angels on earth, Nez was most definitely one. Her kindness was immeasurable. Her genuine sweetness could melt you like butter. Her smile and her soft-spokenness was as soft as a summer breeze. When she hugged you, you felt her love. Nez was LOVE, and Nez loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her husband and the family that adored her. There is no greater blessing than to have been able to call Nez, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother or friend.
Her loving husband, Dale, was by her side when Nez left to enter Heaven’s gates on April 15, 2024. Her sisters, Reba and Marylou, and her brother Carl, were surely there to welcome her. Because of God’s promise, we look forward to the day we reunite with Nez again. Until then, we will take comfort in the many loving memories she left with us.
Though grief may cast a shadow upon our hearts, the light of Christ’s love shines brightest in our darkest hour.
To view Dale and Nez's 60th anniversary video please click the link below
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