Ruth Kathleen Hughes

Ruth Kathleen (Stephenson) Hughes

8/23/28-11/14/22

Ruth “Kathleen” Hughes was born in Akron, but grew up in Ironton, Ohio.  She graduated from Ironton High School in 1946. After working for three years, she enrolled at Denison University as a Music major. Early in her first year, she met Robert Hughes, a senior, and her plans changed. They were married in August, 1950, and moved to Philadelphia while Robert was in seminary. In 1954, they began a life of ministering together in small churches around the state. Wherever they went, Kathleen served as Sunday School teacher, choir director, pianist/organist--wherever the need was. Most recently, she served as organist for Faith Fellowship Baptist Church until retiring at the age of 89.

As a girl and young woman, Kathleen was active in the Girl Scouts.  Later, she became involved in the American Baptist Women and American Baptist Church life, at the local, state, and national levels. Kathleen was an accomplished musician, both in voice and on keyboard. In high school, she performed at many recitals and concerts as soloist or accompanist. In a theme she wrote at Denison, she said, “I want to be surrounded by children: my own--or someone else’s.  It does not matter if they have dirty faces and ragged clothes, if I can help them to absorb a love for music…”  She enjoyed performing with her son David, son-in-law Greg and granddaughter Katie, among many others.

Kathleen was an avid fan of the Indians/Guardians; their games were the only reason she had a television! She was also a prolific reader, and loved to cross-stitch.

Kathleen was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 67 years, her daughter Debra Anderson, her brother Raymond, her sister Marjorie Miller, and her beloved cat, Tigger, her companion for 20 years. She is survived by her children: Stephanie (Steve) Colton, Gwenyth Peterman, David, Heidi (Robert) Carr, Laurie Yeckle, Daniel, and Gretchen (Greg) Fiocca; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maplewood Senior Living and the staff of Serenity Hospice for their care of Mom in the last eight months of her life.

Please join us in celebrating Kathleen’s life at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, Oh, on Tuesday, Nov 22. Calling hour starts at 10:00, followed by the service at 11:00.  Graveside service will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave, Bucyrus, Oh at 2:00.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, 2152 Hoch Dr, Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44221.

Mom’s favorite color was pink--all shades of it, except neon! If you wish, join us in wearing pink as we say goodbye to this amazing woman who touched so many lives.