Bernadette Marie Young Vaughn (THE GENERAL) 

Our beloved mother Bernie went to be with the lord on June 2026. Bernie was born on March 11, 1954, in Belcourt, North Dakota to Alex (buddy) Trottier and Elizabeth (Betty) Trottier. Mom was raised in a very large and loving family. With 9 brothers and sisters, Bernie was the middle child and was surrounded by love and strength. 

When Mom was eleven years old, the family moved to Poplar, Montana. After the death of Grampa Trottier in 1969 the family made the long move to Billings where she made her life. After a short time in Billings, Mom met our father Rick Young and they soon married and they moved to Colstrip to start their life together. Soon after moving to Colstrip, they welcomed their first son Ricky Young in November 1970. Three years later in June of 1973, they welcomed their second son James Young. Mom and Dad decided to divorce in 1980 and Mom moved back to Billings to be closer to her mother. Mom never wavered in her dedication to us boys. She was always there for us. 

In 1981 she met the love of her life, Jack Vaughn and moved to Bridger and became an EMT. Mom and Jack remained together till his passing in 2008. Mom had many jobs throughout her life but being caregiver was her passion. She took care of everyone including being the caregiver for her mother for 14 years and never wavered on her responsibilities. Mom also took care of her sister Laura and her brother Chuck.

 Mom was a force to be reckoned with and everyone knew it. She was nosey and opinionated, but it was apart of her charm. Mom always had something to say and made sure you heard her whether you wanted to hear it or not. Mom was nicknamed the General because of her ability to organize parties, weddings, reunions and all other functions with military precision. You knew Mom was in charge at all times and No one stood in her way. 

Mom was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend. Her love for her family was obvious and poured from her in so many ways. Mom was one of a kind and God broke the mold when he made her. Our hearts are broken at her passing but we know she’s in paradise and we will see her again. This world is a little less bright now that she’s gone. 

Mom is survived by her loving sons Rick Young and James Young both of Billings. Her grandchildren, Brendan, Jessica and Nicholas. She is also survived by her loving sisters Royleen (Rich) Baracker, Kim (Paul) Hirt of Billings and Donna (Ron) Krieger of Cartwright, North Dakota. One brother Robert (Andy) Trottier of Poplar. Moms adopted brother and sisters Butch and Jackie Renner and Juanita and Jessie Sanchez all of Billing. Mom is also survived by her many nieces and nephews who became so important in her life and they became like her grandchildren especially Gabe, Dallas and Benji. We want to add a special thank you to Moms first nieces Romee McAdams,Lisa Burnham, Kimberly Kelch and Mari Johnson for being there for Mom at all times. Mom is preceded in death by her husband Jack and her parents Buddy and Betty. Her sisters Georgianna Marsh and Laura Love. Her brothers Timothy,Alex, Chuck and Joe Trottier.