Brenda G. Kerford Vaughn, 71, St. Joseph, Missouri formerly of Atchison, Kansas died Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Celebration of Life services will be Friday, April 8, 2022 at 12:00 Noon in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Kelley officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 8th from 11:00 until Noon at the funeral Home.  The family request that masks be worn, visitors to be vaccinated, practice social distancing and if you are feeling sick please refrain from attending. Memorial contributions are suggested to Second Christian Church and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

Brenda was born March 21, 1951 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Lloyd Kerford, Jr. and Carolyn R. Pennell Kerford.  She attended Martin East and Martin West Elementary Schools graduating from Atchison High School.  She then attended Park College, Kansas State University and Benedictine College where she earned a Master’s in Business Administration degree.

Brenda worked for the Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services and a day care facility both in Junction City, Kansas.  She then served as director of Atchison Project Concern and for the City of Atchison as a grant writer until her retirement.

She was a member of Second Christian Church in Atchison, Kansas where she volunteered as director for many children’s activities in the church. Brenda was devoted to her family, church, community and many friends. She was a gifted storyteller and oral historian. She used her skillset as Orator at many different events over the years. This talent came out through her work as well in child care and grant writing. A loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend she loved helping and serving others. Always with a sly grin, raised eyebrow, or a hearty chuckle that loving spirit shined through.

Survivors include her brother, Mark (Karen) Kerford, St. Louis, MO, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers.