Arlene Jane (Schmidt) Hughes

Arlene Jane Hughes, 86 of Litchfield, died on November 6th, 2020 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield following a sudden illness. Mrs. Hughes was born on December 6, 1933 in Gillespie, IL daughter of Fred and Emma Stoecker Schmidt. She was raised on the family farm just outside Gillespie. She married Charles Hughes of Honey Point Township on June 6, 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in Gillespie, IL. Following her marriage, she resided in the same Litchfield home until her death.

She attended Gillespie public schools and graduated with the Class of 1952. She worked at Rice-Stix dress factory in Gillespie before marriage. She spent her entire wedded life as a homemaker and loving family member to her children, grandchildren, and her circle of friends. She was a member of the Litchfield American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She was a well-known attendee of the Legion’s Bingo nights while her husband called the games. She attended Litchfield Zion Lutheran Church.

Arlene centered her life around her family. Mamaw, as she was called, loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports, participate in pageants, or just watch them living their lives. She had a large collection of Litchfield High School sweaters and shirts which she wore proudly. She was frequently in the Edwardsville area for activities from watching sports and rock concerts to sitting by the family pool in her favorite chair enjoying a glass of sweet wine. Even after a hip injury required her to use a walker, she rarely missed out on anything. She travelled extensively with family across the US. She had many artistic talents from painting, piano, accordion, to cake decorating. No one recalls ever seeing her angry and she loved to laugh. Her one weakness was sweets but used it to the community’s benefit by baking desserts weekly for over 10 years and donating them to St Timothy Methodist Church’s Monday Soup Kitchen.

She is survived by Sons Dr. Loren Hughes and wife Anne of Edwardsville, Allen Hughes and wife Tami of Litchfield, and one daughter Charlene (Char) Giannuzzi of Litchfield. Grandchildren Erin Robbins (Tyler) of O’Fallon, IL, Jasmine Schietz (Bob) of Springfield, IL, Luke Hughes (Katie Nikirk) of Edwardsville, Rocky Giannuzzi (Kelsey) of Springfield, Kaitlyn Hughes (KJ Wolf) of Litchfield, and Nathan Hughes of Litchfield. Greatgrandchildren Layne and Lilah Robbins of O’Fallon, IL. She is also survived by Brother-and-Sister in Laws Dale and Rosemary Hughes of Litchfield, Art Stoecker of Springfield, and Lucy Hughes of Litchfield. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews who were all close to her heart. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Mildred Duelm, Ruth Kennedy, and twin Darlene Duelm.

Due to Covid restrictions, a graveside funeral service will be held at 1030am for immediate family members on Saturday November 14, 2020 at Elm Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Litchfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:

St. Timothy United Methodist Church

Monday Soup Kitchen

219 East Union Ave

Litchfield, Illinois 62056

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