Betty June Hughes, age 98 of Marion, OH died peacefully at 11:30 PM on August 8, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones at Kingston Residence of Marion. She was born on July 26, 1926 to her parents Russell and Cleo Bond. From the age of about 9, she was raised by her uncle and aunt, Bill and Wilhelmina (Wilt) Rizor. She graduated from Harding High School of Marion in 1944 as Valedictorian of her class.
She graduated later in life with an Associate Degree in Business and Accounting from Marion Technical College, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Ashland University at age 60.
She married Louis Hughes on October 5, 1946 and they were fortunate to be able to celebrate their 77th anniversary last year. She began married life in Prospect, OH on the Hughes family farm. Later they moved to Marion, OH. While raising 3 daughters, she worked for Fulfillment Corporation, then Marion Power Shovel where she retired in 1989.
She was a member of Prospect Methodist Church in Prospect, OH, then Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion, OH and later Prospect Street United Methodist Church in Marion, OH. She was very involved in church activities and committees, a Sunday school teacher and a Girl Scout leader. She also volunteered her time at Marion Senior Center, Marion General Hospital, Red Cross Bloodmobiles, VITA tax assistance for seniors, Chapel Heights Cemetery, Harding High School concession stands and others. In 2007, she and her husband were honored by Ohio Governor Bob Taft for a lifetime of volunteer service.
Adventurously, Betty and Louis were fortunate to be able to frequently travel within the United States and take cruises and vacations to other countries.
She is survived by her husband, Louis Hughes (100), daughters, Karen (Dick) Gorenflo, Janet (George) Kruder and Peggy (Richard) Word. Her surviving grandchildren are Brent (Amy) and Brian (Melissa) Gorenflo, Jason (Allison) Kruder, Jeremy (Lesa) and John (Katy) Word, Jennifer (Jason) Wilkinson and Jennifer (Kip) Walling. She is survived by 11 great grandchildren, Emery, Ava and Lexi Gorenflo; Evan and Maddie Kruder; Cody, Madison and Joel Word; Jackson Genzman; Josie Wilkinson and Kyra Walling. Also surviving are a brother, Richard (Pat) Bond, a cousin (raised with like a sister), Beverly Rizor Everly, a half-sister, Marlene Manley, a sister-in-law, Bea Bond Sigrist and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Bond and Cleo Bond Gilmore, uncle and aunt, Bill and Wilt Rizor, a brother, Robert Bond, a sister-in-law, Connie Bond and a grand-daughter, Mandy Kruder.
We would like to thank Kingston Residence of Marion, the nurses and staff of Kingston, and Capital City Hospice, especially nurse Emily and nurse Donna. A special thanks to Kathy Seckel (aka Clara) for her care of Betty for over 6 years at home and at Kingston.
Friends and family may call at the Boyd Funeral Home, 122 W. Columbia St., Marion, OH on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The funeral will be at 1:00 PM with Pastor Joshua Freshour and Reverend Joseph Miller of Prospect Street United Methodist Church officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Chapel Heights Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mandy Kruder Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Marion Community Foundation or the Prospect Street United Methodist Church.