Jean Hughes

Jean Lavonne Hughes was born Oct. 17, 1934, in Helena, one of 10 children born to Ruth (Barrett) and Dale Fetzer.

She passed away with all her family by her side on Jan. 3, 2020, at 85 years of age.

Jean graduated high school from Helena in 1952.

After high school she attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater where she met the love of her life, Benjamin Warren Hughes.

On August 15, 1953, Jean and Ben were married in Helena. Following their marriage, she continued her education and graduated with a bachelor of science in education from Oklahoma A&M.

After graduation Jean taught school briefly in Ponca City before the couple moved to Okarche to put down roots and start their family.

Three children were added to their family: Dean, Cindy and Doug.

Jean was a homemaker until her children reached school age, at which time she resumed her career in elementary education in the Okarche school system.

She took great pride in giving her students the building blocks of their education and enjoyed the eagerness in their desire to learn.

In 1972 the family returned to their hometown areas and settled in Carmen.

She continued to teach elementary education in the Carmen-Dacoma school system until she retired in 1985.

She was a member of the Carmen United Methodist Church where she served on the church board, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

Jean enjoyed the summers in South Fork, Colo., where she and her husband spent time in their home along the Rio Grande River.

They fished, explored mountain trails, and enjoyed watching birds and hummingbirds in their Colorado garden. She loved sewing, reading, singing in the choir at the community church, The Chapel of South Fork, and going for walks with her Colorado neighbors.

Of all things, Jean loved being a wife, mother, and grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved showering her family and friends with love and affection, giving encouragement when needed, and unconditional love at all times. She was never so happy as to share in the joy and delights of the new adventures in all of their lives.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ben, her parents, and eight siblings.

Jean is survived by her three children, Dean Hughes and wife Christa, Cindy Eimen and husband, David, Doug Hughes and best friend, Lisa Wells; her brother Paul Fetzer and wife Nina; sisters-in-law Nancy Fetzer and Norma Fetzer; brothers-in-law Dale Hughes and wife Donna and Donnie Hughes and wife Ruby; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Andrea Lohmann, Jay Lohmann, and their children, Jordan, Jagger and Adley; Aaron and Dana Hughes and their children Drake and Aubree; Tatum Hughes; Dustin Eimen; Michael and Kelsey Eimen, and their son, Tucker; Greg and Chrissy Eimen; as well numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Jean made a lasting impact on many with her ability to love, support, guide, and encourage.

Funeral service for Jean was 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the United Methodist Church in Carmen. There was a private family burial before the service.

Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena (www.lanmanmemorials.com or the Lanman Funeral Home, Inc., Facebook page).

Memorials may be made to OSU Foundation-Ben Hughes Family Scholarship in memo or charity of donor’s choice through the funeral home.