George Hughes

1942 - 2025

George Hughes

January 11, 1942 - February 16, 2025

Meridian, Idaho - George Michael Hughes better known as Geo (by friends) and Georgie (by his sister) passed away peacefully at St. Lukes Medical Center in Meridian, ID in 2025 at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in 1942, in Havre, Montana, George was the son of Albert Patrick Hughes and Florence Evangeline Moe. He was raised in Great Falls, Montana, alongside his three siblings: Margie, Patsy and Alberta.

Throughout his youth, George took on various jobs, including working at Buttrey's Grocery Store, selling newspapers for the Great Falls Tribune, and shagging balls at the baseball field during high school. Determined and resourceful, he would wake up at 4 a.m. to collect lost golf balls in exchange for free rounds of golf.

During his early college years, while attending different institutions, George worked for Boeing, delivering supplies to various Minute Man Missile sites across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. He later earned a business degree in accounting from Utah State University, graduating in 1969.

While working for the Credit Bureau in Utah, George met Lorretta "Rhett" Holliday at his favorite eatery and they married a bit later. The couple later moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where George began working for the Credit Bureau of Twin Falls. George and Rhett's union brought two children: Patrick O'Hara, born in July, 1969, and Nikki Jo, born in October, 1973. They later divorced.

In the 1980's, George purchased the Credit Bureau of Twin Falls and Jerome, eventually merging the businesses and renaming them the Idaho Collection Bureau. He successfully ran the company for many years before retiring in his early 60's and relocating to Meridian, Idaho.

In 1998, George married Emelita C. Morillo. Through this marriage, he gained a stepson, Eric Clark, and was blessed with another son, Mikki Lee.

George was an adventurous man with a passion for sports and the outdoors. A talented athlete, he was the star player on his high school basketball team and later coached both his son's and Nikki's basketball teams.

An avid fisherman, George took every opportunity to cast a line wherever he could. Every Memorial Day weekend, the family would head to Redfish Lake, boating to the back of the lake to troll for fish, camp and hike the mountains-a tradition that created lasting memories for many.

Golf became one of George's greatest loves. Having learned the game early in life, he made sure to bring his clubs on every vacation, always eager to play a new course. He also enjoyed snow skiing and took pride in teaching Patrick and Nikki how to ski and enjoyed a good laugh when they would crash.

A frequent visitor to Las Vegas, George loved betting on NFL games, a tradition he carried on even at home, where he placed his signature $1.00 bets-always without factoring in the spread. His favorite casino game was roulette, and Thanksgiving trips to Vegas became an annual tradition he cherished. George was a generous and compassionate man, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. At the same time, he was firm in his beliefs and had a strong sense of direction in life. His keen eye for financial investments consistently led to success, a testament to his wisdom and foresight.

Above all, George was a beloved and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and brother. He cherished his family (near and far) and had a deep love for his grandchildren. His life was a reflection of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Patrick and Florence Evangeline Hughes; his sisters; Margie Burks and Alberta Thex; and one of his closest friends, Don McKnight from Twin Falls, ID. He is survived by his loving wife, Emelita Hughes; children: Patrick (Shanda) Hughes, Nikki Kober, Eric (Holly) Clark, and Mikki Hughes; and six beloved grandchildren: Riley and TJ Hughes, Wyatt and Waylon Kober, and Hazel and Emmalyn Clark; and sister, Patsy (Mike) Foley; three nieces, and two nephews and their children plus serval cousins in the U.S. and Canada.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Accent Funeral Home located at 1303 N Main St. Meridian, ID 83642. Visitation will take place at Accent Funeral Home on Monday, February 24, from 3:00-6:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 26, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The following services will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, located at 6300 N. Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83646. A rosary service will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will take place at 12:00 p.m., with committal at Meridian Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. An Irish Wake will be held at George's favorite restaurant, Olive Garden from 4:00-6:00 p.m. located at 320 N. Milwaukee St. Boise, ID. During this time, family and friends can gather to share their memories of him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided to George and his family. We are especially grateful to the St. Luke's ICU team in Meridian, ID, with special thanks to Dr. Akhtar, Dr. Fry, and George's dedicated nurses: Cassy G., McKenna N., Alix H., and the chaplain, Jen R.

A live webcast of the funeral service will be available for viewing during the services and will remain accessible for later viewing at the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/holyapostles.church/live_videos/

https://www.holyapostlesmeridian.net/Mass