Ann Ruby Hughes was born in Bamberg, South Carolina on December 21, 1938 to Ansel and Ruby Hughes. She is survived by her two brothers, Jay and his lovely wife Pat, and brother Wayne. She leaves three sons: John Riley Steedly, Michael Scott Steedly, Troy Thornton Martin and daughter, Rebecca Martin Soderquist (husband Richard) and granddaughter, Lauren Steedly Mathis (husband Evan).
Ann grew up playing basketball with her lifelong friend and cousin, Linda Stevenson. In addition to excelling in sports, she was also a frequent winner in regional beauty pageants and talent competitions throughout her teen years. Ann would eventually attend Newberry College and ultimately devote her life to homemaking, interior decorating, landscaping, and her four children. Even while juggling the responsibilities of raising a family, she worked for a successful antiques business and learned floral arrangement. She was beloved by her neighbors and became an integral part of the neighborhood bridge club, which spanned over forty years. She loved to entertain and have a good laugh with her friends, which she did often.
From Koi ponds to dogwood trees, she became a master gardener and was just as much at home outside as she was inside. Her restless energy and “no time to waste” motto fueled her passion for design and creating beauty. Ann was a devout member of the church and made time to read her Bible daily. She instilled her love of our Lord with her children and her extended church family.
The entire family extends a special thanks to friend and caregiver Colleen DiPietro for her loyal and tireless dedication to Ann and other family members. Also, to the staff of Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. Ann had many special friends who remained faithful and loving throughout her time here. She lived so much of her life through her children and genuinely enjoyed life as a servant to all. Ann and her late husband, Troy T. Martin, Sr. who passed away in 2019, had a wonderful life together. They will be rejoined forever which gives solace to everyone she left behind.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Elmwood Funeral Home Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Alzheimer’s Association to help this organization continue their research and providing much needed family counseling.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18