Martha Hughes' Obituary
Martha Hughes, 91, Corydon, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the Corydon Nursing and Rehab Center. Martha, daughter of Maurice Edgar and Olive (Ollie) (Yates) Birlingmair, was born September 3, 1919, near Davis City, Iowa. She was married to Bennie Hughes on June 6, 1943. Martha recorded many of her special memories, and her love for Bennie shines throughout her stories. They farmed, she washed and Bennie dried the dishes together every night, and they enjoyed nothing more than spending time together, laughing and sharing the stories of their days. Together they attended church and had a large group of friends that met for regular suppers and conversation decade after decade. Before she married, Martha earned her Normal Teaching Certificate and taught country school. After marriage, she went to work in town, first at the Rexall Drug Store soda fountain and then for years as a dental assistant/office manager for Dr. Dubay. Together she and Bennie drove for Shivvers Manufacturing in Corydon and made countless trips to Des Moines delivering goods to various customers. Martha enjoyed recounting their experiences, and could recall the distance and mileage for the trips she and Bennie made together, and the ones she made driving for Shivvers after his death. Martha was enthusiastic about life, and kind and loving to her family and friends. She loved her church and spent countless hours there in worship, service and fellowship. She spent her days quilting and oil painting, volunteering and visiting with her many friends. Martha was a member of Rebekah's Lodge, Quilters Guild, United Methodist Women Circle, Wayne County Historical Society, and the Wayne County Hospital Auxiliary. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Mary Emma and Chance Mitchell, her sister and brother-in-law Marna Erma and Millard Thomas, her brother George Edgar Birlingmair, her nephew David Edgar Birlingmair, and brothers-in-law Winfield Hughes, Harold Hughes, and sister-in-law Lois Cox and husband Wilson. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Eugene and Shirley Birlingmair, Alamo, Texas; sisters-in-law Nadine Birlingmair, Humeston, Iowa and Zella Hughes, Corydon, Iowa; nieces and nephews Mary Kay Mitchell Johnson, Fortville, Indiana, Linda Birlingmair Lovett, Humeston, Iowa, Kelly Birlingmair, Runnells, Iowa, Barbara Birlingmair Rasko, Indianola, Iowa, Kenneth Birlingmair, Smithville, Missouri, Ruth Ann (Leo) Christopher, Rolla, Missouri, Rae Dean (Joyce) Hughes, Humeston, Iowa, Kenneth (Peggy) Hughes, Apple Valley, Minnesota, Janie (Dave) Fenton, Roland, Iowa, Carol Jean (Randy) McClaflin, Russell, Iowa, Becky Eckhart, Stayton, Oregon, Walter Cox, Madison, Wisconsin, Roger (Sandy) Cox, Jonesborough, Tennessee, Ben Cox, Aldie, Virginia, Mary Etta (Dan) Spalding, Portland, Oregon, Sharon Hughes, California, Tom (Renee) Hughes, Florida, Mike Hughes, Oregon, Tim (Michelle) Hughes, Idaho, Greg (Brenda)Hughes, Tennessee, Jeremy (Rolanda) Hughes, Arizona and Anandi Hughes, Texas. . She also has many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Martha had a number of special friends. Over the last twenty years, she and Erma Boswell cared for each other like sisters. Together they talked, laughed, traveled and supported one another in a way that enriched both their lives. Her special neighbor, Donna Morgan, was there for Martha when Benny passed and has been a tremendous help to her over the years. Martha was there to support and help when Donna's young husband Jerry died unexpectedly. Martha loved and was proud of Jake and Emily Morgan, and no doubt experienced the joys of grand-parenting that she would have otherwise missed. The family requests memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church in Corydon in lieu of flowers. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Martha Hughes please visit our Sympathy Store. Visitation JUN 24. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (CDT) United Methodist Church 213 West Jackson StreetCorydon, IA 50060 Funeral Service JUN 24. 10:30 AM (CDT) United Methodist Church 213 West Jackson StreetCorydon, IA 50060
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