Judy Hughes Obituary

On the evening of June 15, 2015 Judy Gristy Hughes, a truly remarkable woman, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona.

Judy was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised in Wichita Falls. She later moved to Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University. In 1959 Judy left her home state for beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado to pursue a career as a journalist, and landed a job with the Gazette Telegraph.

Judy had a passion for politics and a great talent for public speaking. She volunteered for local campaigns, and was elected President of the Colorado Federation of Republican Women. She is listed as one of their Living Legends "Tiny, supercharged and mischievous, she knew how to organize and gain recognition for CFRW." She rose through the ranks of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and was elected President in 1985-1989 for two consecutive terms. During that period, she helped grow the NFRW and make their army of volunteers nationwide become relevant in Washington DC. An accomplishment recognized by both Presidents Reagan and Bush Sr. She met with them on a regular basis and they understood the importance of the NFRW's work. Her colleagues affectionately referred to her as the "GOP Boss."

After her time in Washington, she was asked by President George HW Bush to serve as the Administration's Western Representative for the Department of the Interior. Then to Austin, Texas to work for future president George W. Bush in the State's government administration.

In 2013 Judy moved to Arizona where two of her three children, Leigh & Eric reside.

A private memorial service was held at the Beautitudes Chapel in Phoenix, Arizona on June 19, 2015. It was a lovely memorial and her brother Tim officiated.

She is survived, by her son Grant LaMora of San Francisco, California; Daughter Leigh Ceballes of Scottsdale, Arizona; son Eric LaMora of Phoenix, Arizona; Sister Mary Lewis of Lubbock, Texas and brother Tim Gristy of Lubbock, Texas.

In lieu of flowers or donations please vote Republican!