Shelbie Vaughn Powell, 62

Shelbie Vaughn Powell, 62, passed away on the evening of Saturday, March 14, 2026. She spent her final week surrounded by her most cherished family and friends and passed peacefully with her beloved husband by her side, followed by her daughters shortly after.

She was born April 10, 1963, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Ronald and Paula Amack. Shelbie, her sisters and family spent her childhood living in Chicago, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Bogota, Colombia, and finally settling down in Denver, Colorado where she graduated high school and moved her studies to The University of Colorado in Boulder. It was in Boulder where she met the love of her life, Charlie, a nerd studying science who made her laugh and feel adored every day. 

Shelbie completed her associate's degree in graphic design while Charlie received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. The two got married in July of 1986, and then moved to Austin, Texas where their two daughters, Leah Marie and Torie Vaughn were born. From there, they moved to San Juan Capistrano, California and completed their family of five with their son, Chase.

After a few blissful years spent in California, tragedy struck while visiting family in Whitefish and the family lost Chase. He died in his sleep at 2.5 years, and shortly after that, Shelbie and Charlie made the decision together to be with his spirit and lay down roots in Whitefish. They then spent years teaching their daughters how to downhill and cross-country ski, fly fish and raft, water sports, and love all things outdoors — except hiking. Shelbie instilled a love for art in every relationship she had, which made finding The Stumptown Art Studio a perfect fit for her. Her vibrant personality, love of children, and wild artistic aura was truly embodied within the walls of The Studio.

Throughout the 20 years she worked there, many of the children in Whitefish benefited from knowing Shelbie from the after-school programs at the art studio, summer camps, face paintings at numerous community events, and/or just seeing her smiling face when you walked into The Studio. She loved watching the chaotic creativity that lived in those walls and the happiness that it created. 

Shelbie was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, and her son. She is survived by her husband, Charles Powell, her daughters, Leah and Torie, and four grandsons, Clifford, Cruz, Lars and Banks.

She was known for her genuine kindness, beautiful smile, and also her mighty strength. She loved hosting people, and turning any event into a fun occasion, but mostly any excuse to open one of her seven costume boxes was one of her favorite pastimes. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others, her miraculous hard work that gave her seven more years of life, and most importantly her genuine, kind soul. Also, add more color into your homes.

Shelbie’s family will be hosting a celebration of life at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 at The Whitefish Peaks. A silly, fun costume is heavily requested for entry. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Stumptown Art Studio in her memory.

Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.