Maxine A. Hughes

Maxine A. Hughes, age 77, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton after a seven-month battle with glioblastoma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 PM.

The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay

We were blessed beyond measure when Max entered this world on June 15, 1947. She was the daughter of Clarence and Marion (Nedergaard) Rolfs. She spent her childhood growing up in Utica, South Dakota with her four siblings and attended Fishbeck Country School. Max graduated from Yankton High School in 1965. She then attended Atlantic Airline School in Kansas City, Missouri. After completing airline school, Max moved to New York City and worked for TWA for ten years. 

While in New York, she met John “Jack” Hughes and the two wed on August 29, 1970. When pregnant with their son, Scott, Max and Jack relocated to Yankton and later expanded into a family of four after their daughter, Tara, was born. Max was blessed to be a stay-at-home mother for many years. She later worked at Yankton High School for 21 years. Forming lasting relationships with the many young adults, teachers and staff at YHS was the highlight of her time there. Max was also an avid supporter of YHS athletics and was often seen cheering on the Bucks and Gazelles. 

Max’s giving spirit and loving heart led her to be involved with many organizations. She enjoyed volunteering at Sacred Heart School, Sacred Heart Church, Sister James Nursing Home and Meals on Wheels. She previously served on the Yankton Youth Soccer Board and the American Cancer Society Board. 

Max’s passion was people and the connections she made with them. She loved playing cards, especially bridge and pinochle, and belonged to many clubs. Max also loved to play golf and could be found on the course at Hillcrest on most nice days. Through bridge and golf, she formed many treasured friendships. Max was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan and a long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fan. She loved to travel, and she and John explored the world while she worked for TWA. They continued to travel extensively with their family and friends but always returned to Colorado. Max absolutely loved her time with family and friends in the mountains. 

The highlight of Max’s life was her family. She loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren, whom she always welcomed with open arms, and loved following their activities. The world is a better place because of Max. Her smile was infectious, and she lived life to the fullest. She was an incredibly strong woman and such a positive role model for her children and grandchildren. 

Max is survived by her husband, John; her children: Scott (Sheena) Hughes and Tara (Andy) Dziengel; three grandchildren: Kaden and Daylee Hughes and Adele Dziengel; sisters: Mary Glenn and Joan (Mike) Olenich; brother, Bob (Mary) Rolfs; brother-in-law, Dick Hunhoff; sister-in-law, Mary Casey and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Max leaves behind several great nieces and nephews who provided so much joy in her final years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Patrick and Katherine Hughes; her sister, Jean Hunhoff; brothers-in law: Dennis Casey and Thomas Wolfe; sister-in-law, Patricia Wolfe and her nephews: Tommy and Christopher Wolfe.