She was born in Winder, GA on February 27, 1930, to John Robert Arnold and Ladye Greene Arnold. She attended Winder High School and Athens School of Business which left her with a lifelong affinity for North Georgia. She moved to Columbus, GA in 1969 and spent most of her life in the same house that she made sure was always filled with love, laughter, and the best food you could ask for. She spent the last couple years of her life in Valdosta, GA to be closer to family.
Ladye was fortunate to have two wonderful and devoted husbands. She first married the love of her life and high-school sweetheart, Harry Monroe Hughes, in 1948. She followed him through his service in the Navy, and shortly after that, they started a family and raised two loving and accomplished daughters. Years after his death, she found additional love and support in Harry Herschel Horne to whom she was married for 17 years. The family often commented that she married Harry #1 then Harry #2. Both were fine men that loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents and both of her husbands, she was preceded in death by all her siblings: John Robert Arnold, Jr., Ann Arnold Smith, and Maryelle Burnette.
She is survived by her children, Patti Hughes Velasco (Joel) of Tallahassee, FL and Terri Hughes Lupo (Jerry) of Valdosta, GA; her grandchildren: Christy Peltier and Amanda Lupo; her great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Matthew, and Mason Peltier; and a special friend, almost like a sister, Betty Middlebrooks. She is also survived by four nieces and two nephews.
Ladye was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was always the heart of her home. She loved taking care of her family, cooking, sewing, spending time in her garden, birdwatching on her back porch, and watching flowers grow. She also enjoyed trips to her beloved lake house in Toccoa, GA where she would go out on boat rides and even water ski as long as she was able. She was a longtime member of Georgia Power Ambassadors of Columbus who cared for her like family long after Harry #1 passed. Most importantly, she loved the Lord. Ladye was a member of Gentian Baptist Church of Columbus for 57 years where she enjoyed volunteering to help with kitchen duties for many decades.
Her family and friends will visit at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM with a procession going into Parkhill Cemetery for a graveside service at 3:00 PM. For those unable to attend, condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.shcolumbus.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gentian Baptist Church, 3853 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907 or Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602.
