Shirley Hughes

Shirley Hughes, born on June 2, 1931, was the eighth of nine children in the household of Harold and Nelle (Kernan) Hughes. This big family remained loving and connected and was the central foundation of Shirley's long and loving life. She entered eternal life on July 12, 2024, at the age of 93. All services will be at her home parish of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. A rosary will be at 6 pm on Thursday, July 18, with the visitation to follow. A funeral Mass will be at the church on Friday, July 19, at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Sedgwick Cemetery.

Shirley went to school in Sedgwick, Colorado. She enjoyed school and friends. Her young life had many joys but was not without obstacles. At only five years old, Shirley was stricken with polio; her sister, Catherine, succumbed to the illness during the family's quarantine. The illness took the use of Shirley's legs. In the years to follow, she spent significant time in Denver with other children. Doctors attempted to strengthen her left leg with metal implants. Braces and crutches allowed her to regain mobility. The failure of the implant and subsequent infection meant an amputation of the leg at 21 years old. Through all of this, Shirley developed a strong sense of fortitude and ingenuity. She shared cherished stories of being supported by her family, including being picked up from a fall by the loving hands of her father, yet her family never treated her any differently than her siblings.

Shirley, after graduating from Sedgwick High School, attended college courses. This gave her the skills needed for a strong career. Working with the farmers at the ASCS office was a source of purpose and pride for Shirley. The ties to local families and farmers could be seen as many called her "Grandma Shirley" though they were the same age. A high point in her long and consistent role was a flight to Washington, D.C. to receive a public honor for the farming agency.

Shirley's dedication to farmers did not end with her retirement. She then assisted several local farmers with books. These families also adopted "Grandma Shirley," showering her with appreciation and kindness.

Family was Shirley's central focus. She was ready to help and serve her mom, siblings, and their children. Her heart of love was evident as she embraced the role of mother to her brother Gerald's oldest child, Deanie when he became a widower. She was every bit a grandmother to Deanie's three children. She attended every ball game, birthday party, and concert. When her brother Harold's wife passed, she also took on the role of grandmother to Harold's grandchildren. Her brother Bill's family dinners with his five beautiful daughters brought so much light and love to Shirley. The bond she shared with her mom and sister, Betty, was unwavering. More could be said, but words cannot capture the depth of her loving commitment to family.

Community was an extension of family for Shirley. She was a pillar of the St. Anthony Parish for decades. From lector to bulletin publishing to new priest orientation, Shirley's roles here were many. Family often joked about her Godfather-esque reception as parishioners processed to the Eucharist. This gentle connection to so many of the community was a visible statement of what she gained by giving selflessly. She was the scorekeeper for several teams for the local bowling league, was a part of two bridge groups, was on the city council, and served on countless local boards. In 2012, Shirley and Peggy Schuler were the Grand Marshals of the Sedgwick County Fair, a fun honor that made her laugh as she rolled onto the trailer for the parade.

Left to grieve the loss of Shirley are her brother Bill (Mary) Hughes; grandchildren Aimee Edwards, Tony (Janelle) Machamer, Kelley (Seth) Hendrickson, Ashley (Vince) Junglas, and Shea Hughes; nephews Don Hughes, John Peterson, Greg (Shannon) Hughes; nieces Beth (Gary) Cole, Karen (Claude) Berreckman, Lynell Hughes, Joan (Mike) Hanson, Carolyn (Ted) Fogarty, Lisa Schimonitz, Sarah Johnson, Betty Lou Gretch, Laurie Morrison, Christy (Jon)Andrews; countless great nieces and nephews; and the community of Sedgwick County that embraced her so fully.

Those embracing Shirley as she enters the communion of saints are her parents, Harold and Nelle Hughes; brothers Joe, Bob, Gerald, and Harold; sisters Kathryn, Ruth, and Betty; Deanie Peterson; Connie Hughes, Tom Edwards; and many more among the legacy of love that the Hughes family has and continues to build.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.