Jean Hughes

Jean (Fetzer) Hughes

Jean Lavonne, daughter of Ruth (Barrett) and Dale Fetzer was born on October 17, 1934 in Helena, Oklahoma.  Jean was one of ten children born to Ruth and Dale Fetzer. She passed away with all her family by her side on January 3, 2020, at 85 years of age.

Jean graduated high school from Helena, Oklahoma in 1952.  After high school she attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater where she met the love of her life, Benjamin Warren Hughes.  On August 15, 1953, Jean and Ben were married in Helena.  Following their marriage, she continued her education and graduated with a bachelor of science in education from Oklahoma A&M.

After graduation Jean taught school briefly in Ponca City before the couple moved to Okarche to put down roots and start their family.  Three children were added to their family; Dean, Cindy, and Doug.  Jean was a homemaker until her children reached school age, at which time she resumed her career in elementary education in the Okarche school system.  She took great pride in giving her students the building blocks of their education, and enjoyed the eagerness in their desire to learn.

In 1972 the family returned to their home town areas and settled in Carmen.  She continued to teach elementary education in the Carmen-Dacoma school system until she retired in 1985.  She was a member of the Carmen United Methodist Church where she served on the church board, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

Jean enjoyed the summers in South Fork, Colorado where she and her husband spent time in their home along the Rio Grande River.  They fished, explored mountain trails, and enjoyed watching birds and hummingbirds in their Colorado garden.  She loved sewing, reading, singing in the choir at the community church, The Chapel of South Fork, and going for walks with her Colorado neighbors.

Of all things, Jean loved being a wife, mother, and grandma to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved showering her family and friends with love and affection, giving encouragement when needed, and unconditional love at all times.  She was never so happy as to share in the joy and delights of the new adventures in all of their lives.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Ben of 65 years; her parents, and eight siblings.

Jean is survived by her three children, Dean and wife, Christa Hughes, Cindy and husband, David Eimen, Doug Hughes and best friend, Lisa Wells; her brother, Paul and wife, Nina Fetzer; sister in laws, Nancy Fetzer and Norma Fetzer; brother in laws, Dale, and wife, Donna Hughes and Donnie, and wife, Ruby Hughes; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Andrea Lohmann, Jay Lohmann, and their children Jordan, Jagger, and Adley; Aaron and Dana Hughes, and their children Drake and Aubree; Tatum Hughes; Dustin Eimen; Michael and Kelsey Eimen, and their son Tucker; Greg and Chrissy Eimen; as well numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Jean made a lasting impact on many with her ability to love, support, guide, and encourage.

Funeral service for Jean will be Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Carmen.  There will be a private family burial before the service.  Visitation will be Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. in Helena.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena.   www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to OSU Foundation-Ben Hughes Family Scholarship in memo or charity of donor’s choice through the funeral home.