Muriel L. Hughes

LAKE - died Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Muriel was born in Superior, Wisconsin on March 21, 1921, the daughter of Harry and Mabel (Holman) Mills. She was a 1938 graduate of Superior East High School and a 1942 graduate of Superior State Teachers College. After graduation, she taught for a year in Bloomer, Wisconsin, before traveling to Hollywood, California, where she supported the WWII effort by working in the aircraft industry for a short time. Afterward she moved to Waukegan, Illinois, and resumed her career as an Elementary Teacher. On August 24, 1946, Muriel was united in marriage to Lawrence P. Hughes. The couple moved to Appleton where Muriel continued her teaching career until the birth of her daughter, Mary. The family then moved to Rhinelander. During this time, Muriel taught at Pelican Public School for several years. In 1960, her husband Lawrence died. She remained in Rhinelander until 1964 when she and her daughter moved to Racine, Wisconsin. She taught for the Racine Unified School District (Caddy Vista Elementary School) from 1964 until her retirement in 1986. That summer, Muriel moved back to her home on Moen Lake where she lived until the time of her death. She was a longtime member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and the Rhinelander Area Retired Educators’ Association. She was also a volunteer at the Little School House for many years and assisted with the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. What those who knew her best will remember, however, is that she was a hard worker, a fiercely independent woman, and a lifelong champion of public education and social justice. Muriel is survived by her daughter; Mary Hughes- Greer of Beloit, Wisconsin; two granddaughters, Sarah Greer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brenna Greer (Matthew Blanton) of Wellesley, Massachusetts; and one grandson; Nathan Greer (Hesper Wolfe) of Schaumberg, Illinois; and two great- granddaughters; Naima Greer and Nala Greer. Also surviving are a special niece, Laurie (David) Harring of Belleville, Wisconsin, and two special nephews, Allan (Christine) Mills of St. Charles, Illinois, and Kenneth (Francoise) Mills of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She is further survived by other nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Muriel was predeceased by her three brothers, Kenneth H. Mills, Russell Mills (also wife Esther), and Harold Mills (also wife Marion). She was further predeceased by two nephews, Steven Mills and Larry Mills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Muriel may be directed to Rhinelander Area Retired Educators’ Scholarship Fund or to CARE International. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be followed by inurnment at Calvary Cemetery, Superior, Wisconsin. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists 24 E. Davenport Street Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501 715-365-4343 Celebrating lives and healing hearts. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook, leave a photo or an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com