Myrna Lee Hughes

Myrna Lee Hughes passed peacefully from this life on October 24 th, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones in her South Pine Creek home after a long-fought battle against cancer. Myrna was born on October 30th, 1939 to Omar and Wanda Smith. She spent much of her younger years exploring the wooded hills of the Limebelt on horseback with her best friend, her younger sister Janice. Despite early childhood illness, Myrna showed strength and perseverance that repeatedly left others in awe of her bravery and tenacity.
Myrna attended the Riverside Schoolhouse and spoke fondly of the school socials, dances at the Mt. Olive Grange, and other school functions. Her classmates and teachers loved her vibrant energy and sense of adventure. Myrna married the love of her life, Joel Nolan Hughes, on December 7, 1957. Together they raised three children. Their legacy continues through eleven grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. She was actively involved with each one of them, and they held a special place in her heart, calling them her "little pets". She was instrumental in supporting both academic and sports endeavors. The grandchildren were the light of her life, and she delighted
in getting them all together.
Baptized in 1967, and one of the first members of the church in the Omak area, Myrna was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1986, she received her Endowment at the Spokane Temple, demonstrating her continuing dedication to the Lord. She was a charitable servant to her family, her church family, and her greater community. As a Rural Postal Carrier for many years with the United States Postal Service, Myrna curated many lifelong friendships.
She loved horses and relished packing into the high country, especially the Horseshoe Basin area. Her beloved appaloosa mare, Whitey was an extension of her spunky spirit, carrying her places that her legs (due to childhood polio) may not have let her go. After losing Joe in 2004, Myrna spent her time hosting a women's study group and riding ORVs in the State and National Forests. The affectionately named "old ladies' group" consisted mainly of senior sisters. The last trip Myrna went on was 70 miles in duration!
She is preceded in death by her parents, Omar and Wanda (Bolin) Smith, her husband Joel Nolan Hughes, and her grandson Todd Allen Jensen.
She is survived by her sister, Janice (Paul) Seale Wenatchee, her daughter Rita (Tim) Jensen Pine Creek, son Scott (Jody) Hughes Tonasket, and son Grant (Dusty) Hughes Pine Creek, eleven grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and their dear families.
Myrna was a devoted wife and mother who freely offered all she had. She lived a life of charity, unwavering faith, and compassion. She knew of her place in her Heavenly Father's plan and was at peace with his plans for her.
A service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 7, 2025 at 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at the Riverside Cemetery.