Patsy D. Hughes

Goodwin Funeral Home

Patsy D. Hughes, 90, passed away on January 30, 2025 at 9:25 p.m. in the Wesley Manor Memory Care Unit.  Born October 20, 1934 in West Frankfort, Illinois, to Paul Revere and Ruth (Miller) McElyea, she married John Hughes in 1956, living in Kankakee, IL until 1969, when the family moved to West Lafayette.  She and John were divorced in 1985 and Patsy moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, where she spent the next 18 years.

Her days were full of the true Florida lifestyle, where, with her companion of 15 years, Al Smith, she enjoyed her communities of friends on Corrientes Circle and at Blue Heron Pines.  She and Al traveled to his native New York and loved gambling trips to Biloxi, MS.  Al died in 2008 and Patsy returned to Indiana where she moved to Friendship House in West Lafayette and lived her best life for 9 years, until her health deteriorated.  She had a hand in every activity, every resident and every event at her beloved Friendship House.  Her impeccable apartment was the model for prospective tenants and she was the one who gave them the “Grand Tour” of the facilities.  She helped in the office, any time she was needed, watered all the plants, helped arrange holiday celebrations and organized an adult coloring group called “Between the lines”.  She also scheduled and coordinated monthly lunches at different restaurants for the “Lunch Bunch”.  All her life, Patsy was a lover of sports and the ultimate “tomboy” growing up.  Despite only being 5’ ¾” (and you better add that ¾”) she played volleyball with several West Lafayette groups for many years.  She played in a softball league and coached her daughter’s summer league for several seasons.  Her favorite and most long-term sport was, by far, bowling.  She was on many leagues in Florida and Indiana and bowled 2-3 times a week for decades.  She had multiple high game recognitions, trophies and accolades.  She always had her bowling ball and shoes in the trunk of her car in case someone needed a sub.

The two things that Patsy was the most proud of were her participation and success in the Area IV senior games, where she amassed over 100 gold, silver and bronze medals.  In 2016, she was chosen as the torch bearer for the opening and closing ceremonies, considering that a great honor.  Also, and probably the largest source of pride, was being a breast cancer survivor for over 55 years. She was recognized with a celebration at Friendship House and a feature on WLFI-TV at the time of her 52nd year.  She always participated in the Relay for Life and led the way on the survivor’s lap.  Surviving breast cancer made the rest of her amazing life possible.  In 2016, Patsy was nominated for the Golden Hoosier award for her service to and involvement in her community.

Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Jean, Joyce and Lois; brothers Freddy and Paul; ex-husband John Hughes and longtime companion, Al Smith.

Her life is celebrated by her children; David (Amy) Hughes, Carol (John) McNelly and Dan Hughes; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, as well as her brother, Jerry of Kyle, TX.

A celebration will be held at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 3-5 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 300 W. Washington St., Frankfort, IN  46041 or Wesley Manor Employee Appreciation Fund, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort, IN  46041 (Payable to “BHI Foundation” memo line for Wesley Manor Employee Appreciation Fund).  Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a message.

Patsy’s family would like to thank the staff members of Wesley Manor Assisted Living and Memory Care G and H wing for their steadfast care and genuine love for Mom over the past 5 years.  Knowing she was safe and loved was the greatest comfort of all.

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