Hughes, Beverly M.

Beverly M. Hughes, 78, of Coralville, formerly of Spirit Lake, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, from complications of Alzheimer's and leukemia, at Windmill Manor, Coralville. Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Schuchert Funeral Home, 2317 32nd St., Spirit Lake, the Rev. Dick Powell of Bourne, Texas, officiating. Internment at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Spirit Lake, immediately following the service. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Survivors include her daughter, Konnie Mitchell and husband Rob of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Deanna Copeand and husband Sid of Boerne Texas; son, Rick Hughes and wife Pam of Walford; son, Randy Hughes and wife Lexy of Jacksonville, Fla.; twin sister, Berlou Berge; sister, Bonnie Lidberg; Konnie's children, Ryan, Matthew and wife Elizabeth, and Elizabeth; Deanna's children, Brett Copeland and Chris Copeland; and Rick's son, Colin Hughes; and Randy's children, Keaton and Savannah Hughes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Hughes; and parents, Harry and Irene Meier.

Beverly spent her entire lifetime in Northwest Iowa. She was born in Hartley, Iowa, along with her twin sister, Berlou, to Harry and Irene Meier on July 25, 1933. After graduating from Hartley High School, she met a handsome World War II Air Force Pilot at the local Fireman's Dance, Royce Hughes. At the time of his death in November 2008, they had been married for 56 years. After building their home on West Okoboji in 1961, Beverly devoted her life to raising her four children. She was a wonderful mom who was our friend, chauffeur, disciplinarian, head cook, housekeeper and playmate. After her children left home, Beverly worked for the Clothes Peddler in Spirit Lake and Okoboji for many years. These were fun years for her as she loved clothes and helping the local women and the women visiting the Iowa Great Lakes find the perfect outfit. Beverly loved a good card game and taught all of her grandchildren how to play Primghar Gin. She loved the Iowa Great Lakes and cherished most being a Grandma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Alzheimers Association, East Central Iowa Chapter.

The family sincerely thanks the staff of Windmill Manor and Hospice Compassus for their loving care of Mom during these final months.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 24, 2012.