Juanita C. Hughes

Juanita C. Hughes, 85 of Prospect, passed away peacefully on Friday March 27, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born February 8, 1941 in Marion to the late Weldon and Mildred (Evans) McNeal. She was also preceded in death a son, Mark Hughes and great-granddaughter, Skylar VanBuskirk.
She married William Hughes on February 18, 1978 in Prospect and he survives. Also surviving are their six children: Gwen (Wally) Janeczek of Prospect, Todd (Karen) Hughes of Vero Beach, Florida, Gretchen (Jim) Millisor of Prospect, Jeff Weaver of Orlando, Florida, Jonathan (Heidi) Weaver of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Tammy Walker of Marion.
daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hughes of Marysville.
22 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Siblings, Barbara Ann Teague of Reynoldsburg, Peggy (Charles) Hall of Marysville and Nathan (Chris) McNeal of Kimbolton
She graduated from Prospect High School in 1959, and from The Ohio State University in 1963 with a degree in Physical Therapy. Juanita worked at Grant Hospital, Marion County Health Department and the majority of her career at Marion Manor nursing home before retiring after 33 years. She would say "If it is physical, it is therapy".
She was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she held several offices on council and Faith Circle.
Juanita was a huge sports enthusiast attending many of her children and grandchildren's activities whenever possible. As a loyal Ohio State fan, She and Bill would watch any and all OSU sports for hours.
Juanita embodied the spirit of Christ in her kindness and compassion shown for others. She demonstrated her faith by her welcoming nature and giving (and forgiving) heart. She has always been a loved and respected member of her community and will be missed by so many.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Prospect. Deacon Kevin Kehn will officiate. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood.
Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 200 East Water Street Prospect, Ohio 43342