James M. Hughes, 66, of Salina, passed away Monday, June 2, 2014. He was born Sept. 23, 1947, in Fairbury, Neb., to Merle Hughes and Doris (Hendrickson) Hughes.
He married Deborah (Arnold) Hughes on June 7, 1969, in Fairbury.
James worked as an educator in public schools in Kansas for 40 years and was in administration for 38 of those years. He retired from the Salina School District in 2007.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, camping and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoyed children. James mentored hundreds of children while volunteering atjuvenile diabetes camps, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America and Court AppointedSpecial Advocate for children (CASA).
James was a proud member of ISIS Shrine, where he continued to work for children and was Potentate in 2013.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah, of the home; his beloved bulldog, Susie; sister, Peg Bowen, and nieces Jamie and Reeda, of O’Neill, Neb.; son, James M. Hughes II and wife Angela Hughes, of Salina; daughter, Jennifer Hughes-Lundgrin, of Salina; granddaughter, Reagan Hughes and grandson, Mason Lundgrin, both of Salina.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 East Neal, Salina. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ISIS Shrine Children’s Travel Fund, Salina Education Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Vera Jo Mae Eklund, 83, of Salina, died Sunday, May 25, 2014, at home. She was born June 11, 1930, in Salina.
Vera was a graduate of Assaria High School and Brown Mackie College. She worked forCommercial Credit Corporation and Philips Lighting.
On Sept. 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to Carl “Bud” Eklund at Salemsborg Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary before his death in 2011.
Vera is survived by her four children, John (Jeanette) Eklund, of Salina, Joyce (Jack) Goates, of Salina, Jolene (Stan) Deneke, of Simpson, and Jeff (Jacque) Eklund, of Hutchinson. Survivors also include six grandchildren, Chad Eklund, Jennifer Goates, Brandy Gillespie, Jeremy Goates, Matthew and Joey Deneke; 11 great-grandchildren; her mother, Veda Pihl; and two brothers, Don (Betty) Pihl and LeRoy (Coleen) Pihl. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Pihl.
Vera was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and active in WELCA and the Anna group. She served many years on altar guild and parish health ministry. Vera also gave of her talents to the yearly Hospice Holiday Sale, where she donated many beautiful dried flower arrangements that she had lovingly grown in her flower garden. Vera will certainly be remembered for her love of flowers.
Vera was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She laid the foundation and was the heart of this big, close, loving family. Her greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed having family get-togethers and birthdays at her home. We always found some reason to all be together and celebrate, which often included Vera’s homemade ice cream, a family favorite.
Being a KU fan was also a joy to her. She loved the game-day gatherings at her house with all her kids around her cheering on the “Hawks.”
Vera and Bud traveled to many destinations in their time together. They also took vacations andcruises with all their children and spouses. Vera always said that we have to cherish every moment; we are so fortunate to be able to do these things together. We always felt so blessed to be such a close-knit family and enjoy being with each other.
Her body was cremated and will be buried in a private family service at Salemsborg Lutheran ChurchCemetery.
Visitation with family will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9, at the church with Pastor Kent Happel officiating.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at or sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.