Catherine Ann Hughes, age 85 of Elwood, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following declining health and a broken heart from the loss of her husband less than a year ago.  She was born November 28, 1931 in Summitville, the daughter of Ivan and Olive (Stokes) Joyner.  Catherine was a 1949 graduate of Summitville High School, and later graduated from Indiana Wesleyan College with a teaching degree.  She married Robert E. "Gene" Hughes on June 21, 1953, and they shared over 63 years of devoted marriage together.  Catherine worked as a teacher at Duck Creek Boone School for several years where she taught both art and music.  Later, and for most of her life - she was a dedicated homemaker and farmwife, which she loved very much.  Catherine worked with her husband, Gene, in nearly all aspects of farming on their family farm south of Elwood.  She was a devoted member of Frankton Christian Church in Frankton, and had formerly been active in the choir and playing the piano regularly for services.  She was well known for playing the piano beautifully.  The loss of Catherine's spouse, Gene, in the past year left an emptiness for her that could not be filled.  She wanted nothing more than to join him in his Heavenly home, and on Monday her wish came true.  They are united in Heaven forever.

Catherine's family legacy includes daughter, Trudy Jo (husband Mark) Caldwell of Elwood; son, Jerry Alan Hughes of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Carrie (husband Jason) McCorkle, Teela Adkins, and Tiffany Jacks; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor, Trace, Cameron, James, Justin, and Jasmine; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert E. "Gene" Hughes in 2016; son, Rex Hughes in 1992; and 3 brothers, Robert Joyner, Lewis Joyner, and Loren Joyner.

Catherine's family would like to thank the staff of Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood for the wonderful, heartfelt care they provided to their mother over the past few months.  Their kindness and care will never be forgotten.

A funeral service celebrating Catherine's life will be conducted at 1:30 PM on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Roger Brooks of the Frankton Christian Church and Pastor Jerry Young of the Alexandria Christian Congregation Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 8 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Frankton Christian Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences may be expressed at: www.copherfeslermay.com.