LaVaughn (Hodgson) Hull, 98, passed away on April 26, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living Facility in Hays, KS. She was born May 25, 1927, near the small town of Parker, KS. After attending elementary and high school in Garnett, KS, she graduated from the University of Kansas in 1949 with a B.S. in Education with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Biology. While at KU, she met and married Norman E. Hull on December 21, 1948 at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, KS. She taught at The Barstow School for Girls for two years, and one year at Ruskin Middle and High School in Raytown, MO, while Norman was in medical school. After Norman graduated from KU Medical School in 1952, they moved to Hays where he set up his general practice, and where they proudly raised six children until his death in January, 1980. LaVaughn then worked for Northwestern Office Supply until retirement. On March 15, 1991, LaVaughn married Alvin A. Dinges. They were married 18 years until his death in 2009.
LaVaughn was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church at one point serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also serving on the Administration Board, and the Steering and Building Committee, as well as being involved in UMW (United Methodist Women), UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), the Peddlers Fair, and Bell Choir. She was also the past President of the Hadley Auxiliary and was integral in the creation of the gift shops at Hadley Memorial Hospital and HaysMed. She enjoyed her P.E.O. sisterhood, and her involvement in AAUW (American Association of University Women). She was the first woman member of the Hays Rotary Club, and was a founding member of Smoky Hill Country Club where she played ladies golf until the age of 92. She also enjoyed her bridge clubs, and supper club. But her greatest love was traveling and spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Ozella Hodgson; husbands Dr. Norman E. Hull, and Alvin A. Dinges; sons-in-law Scott Scheuerman, and Fred Brening; and brother-in-law Robert Umbarger.
LaVaughn is survived by her children, Shiela Brening, Douglas (Lisa) Hull, Michelle (Larry) Knowles, Tamra (Jon) Merritt, Denise (Clark) Law, and Troy Hull; her grandchildren Megan Brening, Garrett (Lisa) Brening, Adam (D’Layna) Brening, Emmett (Jenny) Hull, Nell Hull, Kate (Mike) Tyler, Holly (Kent) Domas, Luke (Robyn) Knowles, Emily Knowles, Jon (Heather) Merritt, Scott Ring, Bill Ring Jr. (Colleen), and Maggie (Brandon) Honsaker; eighteen great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna Umbarger; her brother, Delton (Janice) Hodgson; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Venue at Thirsty’s, 2704 Vine St., Hays, KS, on Sunday, May 24th, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Foundation, 305 W. 7th St., Hays, KS, 67601; or to the Norman E. Hull Endowed Scholarship Fund at HaysMed, 2220 Canterbury Dr., Hays, KS 67601.
Services under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.