Helen Hughes Obituary

August 21, 1916 - October 24, 2008 Helen R. Hughes passed away October 24, 2008, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. The widow of Major General John S. Hughes (US Army), whom she married in 1944, Helen was the example of service to her country, supporting her husband in his military career, which took him around the country and to Europe many times. She was a gracious hostess, a loving and devoted mother, a witty and engaging actress, and an intense artist, working in clay, oil, and other media. Her life was marked by joy in all that she did. A long time parishioner at the Chapel of Our Savior in the Broadmoor, Helen played a key part in the life of the church. She served as Directress of the altar guild, a bell ringer, and active member of the Episcopal Church Women. She also took lead roles in various plays at the Colorado Springs Civic Theatre over many years. Born August 21, 1916, in Oklahoma City to Elmer and Anna (O'Conner) Ringer, she was a graduate of Oklahoma University and earned her master's degree in Public Speaking from Denver University, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Helen is survived by five children: Jim Hughes and his wife Pat, of Kirkland, WA; Leslie (Billie Jo) Hughes, of Humansville, MO; Mary Jeanne Hughes of Colorado Springs; Paul Hughes and his wife Trish, of Gaithersburg, MD; and Nancy Hughes Larson and her husband Larry, of Alexandria, VA. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Christopher Hughes and Lara Hughes, both of Los Angeles, CA. Her oldest son, Captain John S. Hughes Jr., US Army, preceded her in death. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Chapel of Our Savior, Fourth & Polo, Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made to a church or favorite charity in her name, if desired.