Fern Hughes passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center in Riceville, Iowa at the age of 94.
Fern Rose Hughes, affectionately known by those who loved her as “Fernie”, was born on July 15, 1928 to Fredrick and Ida (Hartwig) Havig in Osage, Iowa. She was the youngest of nine children. She grew up in the Osage area where she attended school, graduating with the Class of 1946. She worked at the local bakery and the Western Union office.
Lloyd “Jim” Hughes won her heart and they were married on September 30, 1948. She was a wonderful housewife and mother to her chidren: Daniel, Richard, Michael, Debra, Mary Jo and Dean. She was the family peacekeeper! Fern and Jim spent all of their married years living in the Riceville area. They were able to celebrate 73 wonderful years together in 2021.
Fern stayed busy, not only with her family, but by helping Jim at the clothing store and working at the vets office. She finished her career at the Riceville School where she worked as a teacher’s aide.
Fern and Jim enjoyed many of their retirement years spending the winters in Diamond Head, MS and Virginia Beach. Fern was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville. She enjoyed painting many of the wood craft items Jim made and sold. She created many afghans and wash clothes which she shared with family and friends. Her family was very precious to her and she loved spending time with them.
Fern is survived by her children: Dan (Diane), Richard “Dick” (Patty), Mike (Karen), Debbie, Mary Jo “Joey” (Tom) Crorkin and Dean (Jackie), nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim on March 25, 2022 and eight siblings.
Her last 3 ½ years were spent at the Riceville Care Center where she received such loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center Activity Fund (915 Woodland Ave. Riceville, IA 50466) in memory of Fern.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.
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