Darlene Powers Hughey

Darlene Powers Hughey passed away July 17th, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.
Darlene was born February 25, 1963, to the late Ron Powers and Margaret Barkley in Petoskey, Michigan. The youngest of 5 children, mom was always the small one. Though she claimed to be 5' 2", we all knew she was closer to 4' 10". Growing up, the family lived at Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake. She loved it there and had all sorts of stories that went along with being raised at a summer camp in the '60s and '70s. Mom always wanted to be part of the gang and tag along with her older siblings. Sometimes the big kids let "tar baby" join in the fun. Mom met many people at camp and stayed in contact with a few of them over the years.
When she was 14 her mother remarried, moving her to Harbor Springs. Mom always said going from Boyne City to Harbor Springs was not an easy transition, but it helped that she gained a little sister. When Margaret married Richard Barkley in 1977, they each brought a handful of children to the marriage. The Brady Bunch comes to mind when they tell stories of those days. Mom really enjoyed gaining a little sister, and for the most part was a great big sister to Darla. The two of them have some pretty funny stories about the shenanigans they pulled. Darla stayed with mom for a week before her passing and mom loved every minute of being pampered and cared for.
Mom and dad started going steady around 1985. He asked her to marry him quite a few times in the years that they dated. He still laughs and says "She never said no, she just wouldn't say yes!" In 1990, she finally agreed, and they have been married since.
The three of us kids were blessed with a truly wonderful mother. She was a mom to all. Any time a child was near her, she treated them as her own. Mom and Dad raised three children of their own plus a handful of others who needed some extra love. Mom and Dad's niece, Denise (Elzinga), is one of those extra kiddos. Denise has been considered a sibling for as long as we've been alive. She's never missed a holiday, birthday, or life event. Mom and Dad always make sure she is there with us.
Mom allowed kids to be kids, plain and simple, and that is why we had the home where kids wanted to be. We were outside from dusk till dawn, playing in the mud, climbing trees, and all of the good stuff that came before technology. There were always extra kids in our house. We were most definitely the cause of every gray hair that she had, and every worry line as well. It really is a wonder that she survived raising us hooligans.
Mom was, by far, the best grandma you could find. She absolutely lived for her grandchildren and loved them with every ounce of her soul. They could do no wrong, and she spoiled them rotten. Always agreeing to sleepovers and cookie baking. The same cookies she made for us kids and all of our friends.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Bryan Hughey. Children; Maggie (Dan) Monshor, Chris (Ellen) Hughey, Tim Hughey. Grandchildren; David, Jolene, Thomas, Charlie, Franklin, Ethel, and Owen. Siblings; Ron Powers, Mike (Nancy) Powers, Diane Dixon, Steve Powers, and James Barkley.
Darlene is preceded in death by her Father Ron Powers, Mother Margaret Barkley, Step-Father Richard Barkley, and infant Sister Debbie Powers.
We would like to thank Hospice of Michigan for their kindness and care while helping mom through the end. They were there for us at all hours and did everything possible to make mom comfortable. The nurses and staff are truly amazing and we could not have done it without them.
A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held on Monday, August 4th, 2025 from 12:30-2:30 at the Grand Unity Event Center, 1106 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770.
Arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, Gaylord, Michigan. www.CarebyNelsons.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Darlene Powers Hughey, please visit our Tree Store.