Obituary for Mary F. Hughes

Mary Hughes, 69, of rural Elliott, IA passed away Thursday, March 12, 2009 at her home following a short battle with cancer. Mary was born February 19, 1940 near Sheridan, MO the daughter of Dewey and Zula (Tally) Ferguson. Mary attended Clarinda High School. She was united in marriage to Darrel Williams in August 1956 in Clarinda. Four daughters were born to this union. Mary was united in marriage to Paul Hughes in December 1968, to this union a son and daughter were born. Mary worked at Parker Hannifin in Red Oak for over 30 years. She was forced into early retirement due to illness. She enjoyed her family, friends, and her new home in the country. She loved all animals, but especially her horses. Mary spent many hours with her sister Carolyn shopping at Younkers and going to garage sales. She enjoyed horseback riding, canoeing, and hanging out with family and friends. But most of all Mary lived her life for her kids. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, and brother Jack Ferguson. She is survived by her children Kim Bond and Marty Vrba of Villisca, Kelly and Kirk Vannausdle of Elliott, Kathy Palmquist and Kevin Williams of Red Oak, Kerin and Tom Wright of Villisca, Nick and Meredith Hughes of Red Oak, and Polly and Matt Towne of Henderson; 14 grandchildren: Damien and Kim Bond, Jesse Bond and Edi Royer, Calob Bond and Whitney Euken, Karly Ayres, Shelby Ayres and Brad Nieman, Evan Vannausdle, Beth Vannausdle and Josh Franzen, Jessica Palmquist and Jared Pelzer, Dalton Valentin, Jeff Wright and Amy Tiefenthaler, Daniel Wright, Dylan Wright and Ashley Beem, Emma Wright, Neeva Hughes; 6 great grandchildren: Dawson, Brody, and Nicole Bond, Kadin Bradley, Jayden Amend and Jozlyn Franzen; brother Duane and Rose Marie of Monticello, IA; Sister Carolyn Peters and Paul Ritchie of West Des Moines; sister-in-law Martha Campbell of Florida. Special family friend Jan Philby and many other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held at the Faith Community Church in Red Oak, Iowa at 4 p.m. with Pastor David MacDonald officiating. After the service the family invites everyone to join them for visitation and food until 7 p.m. The Cremation Society of Eastern Central Western Iowa assisted the family. Flowers and memorials may be taken to the church anytime Tuesday. Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com under "obituaries." The Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa is handling arrangements.