Dorothy Hughes

We are heartbroken as we announce the death of our mother, Dorothy May Sultenfuss Hughes. Family matriarch, woman of faith, devoted wife and mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, entered her heavenly home, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the age of 101. She was born on May 6, 1923, in Kerrville, Texas, to Hugo Emil Sultenfuss and Mamie Sublett Sultenfuss. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to San Antonio where she resided the rest of her life.

She lived a remarkable life, full of varied accomplishments and experiences. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Dorothy was a member of the celebrated Lasso organization, which was featured in the 1940 film, High School. In 1939 the Lassos traveled by train as a group on a goodwill and educational trip to the World's Fair in New York City. The trip included a stop in Washington, DC, where they were greeted by Vice-President Garner before a Lasso performance on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by tea and a handshake from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House. In recent years, as a Lasso alumna, Dorothy has met with current Lassos to pass down the Lasso history and offer encouragement. She even showed them she could still twirl her rope at the age of 90!

Dorothy met the love of her life, M.M. (Mel) Hughes Jr. from Floresville, Texas, in January 1946, and they dated while he completed law school after his return from serving in World War II. They were engaged at Cool Crest Miniature Golf in San Antonio, in July of 1947 and were married three months later. Their beautiful marriage lasted 55 years until Mel's death in 2002. At that time, she took over the operation of his cattle business in Floresville and the day-to-day management of his office.

They raised three children who also graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Throughout their childhood, she served multiple times as PTA presidents for each of the schools. Dorothy also served as President of the San Antonio Bar Auxiliary, as well as President of her Chapter's PEO Sisterhood organization and volunteered at the Methodist Hospital with the Blue Bird Auxiliary. One of her favorite roles was that of Girl Scout Leader. She had a profound and lasting effect on the girls in her troops, and even sixty years later, a group of women are still gathering for yearly reunions to remember experiences, including their trip by train to Our Cabana, an International Girl Guide and Girl Scout Center in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Dorothy was a devoted mother who enjoyed knowing her children's friends. Their home and patio were places with children coming and going, having style shows, family dinners and devotionals. Outside of her home and family, the most important involvement of her life was her church and the church community.

Her love for the Lord and the Methodist Church began when she was six years old and began attending Sunday School at Woodlawn Methodist Church. She joined the church in 1935 and became a life-long Methodist. When Woodlawn Church was sold, she and Mel became founding members of University Methodist Church. Over the years, she has served as: Pastor-Parish Relations Committee Chair, Chair of the Administrative Board, Chair of the Foundation, and was Lay Leader. She also served on the Board of Trustees, Building Committee, and taught Sunday School for over fifty years until the age of 90. She was a true follower of Christ and led her life by example.

She loved and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and felt blessed to be able to have lived so long so she could watch them grow. They were her pride and joy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, and by her grandson, David Sharkey. She is survived by her two daughters: Linda Lowman (Larry) of San Antonio, Tricia Howard (Tim) of Fair Oaks Ranch; son: Marq Hughes (Cindy) of San Antonio. Grandchildren: Jennifer and Bubba Harkins of Houston; Kelsey and Andrew Wiley of Dallas; Doug Sharkey of Arlington; Randy and Laura Howard of Austin. Great grandchildren: Henry and Gus Harkins, James and Lucy Wiley, and Lola and Emme Howard. Great nieces: Lisa and Ken McMillen; Lesli Hicks and Steve Lee.

The family expresses appreciation and thanks to the Avionn caregivers, Barbie, Vickie, Nora, and Giovanna, for their kindness and loving care of our beloved Mom & Mimi, while she was still living in her home during these last few years, and in recent months, Vitas Hospice.

The family will greet friends at Porter Loring, McCullough Ave, from 3-5pm on Sunday, July 14th, and a Celebration of Life will take place on July 15th at 10:30 am, at University Methodist Church on DeZavala Road with a reception following. Live streaming of the service will begin at 10:15 at theu.online.church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to University Methodist Church Foundation/Mel Hughes Seminary Scholarship Fund, or to a charity of your choice.

Click here to view the service for Mrs. Dorothy S. Hughes