Ross Donald Hughes

In 1930, at age 3, Ross still lived in Dairyland with his parents & siblings and was surrounded by many nearby family members.

Ross started his career in sales at an early age while in Dairyland. He would walk or ride his bicycle to neighboring homes and sell items door to door. This wasn’t an easy task as most roads were not paved and a good part of his “route” was on dirt or mud roads through woods and swamps.

Ross moved with his parents and many siblings to the State of Washington where they lived for a time. He later returned to Dairyland and on August 18, 1944, Ross’s 18th birthday, he registered for the service in Superior, WI. At that time, he was listed as being 5’9” and 129 pounds.

After serving in the military during World War II, Ross returned home to Dairyland. He traveled by train to the closest stop in Minnesota and since no one knew when he was coming, he again traversed a fair distance on foot through the back roads and swamps of Dairyland to his brother Mike’s (Myron’s) home where he then lived with Mike & his wife Suz (Elva), their daughters and Ross’s younger brothers.

In 1950, at the age of 23, Ross and brother Donnie were living in Elmer City, Washington with their brother George’s family. Ross was working 48-hour weeks as a jackhammer operator for a construction company. But once again, Ross found himself returning to Wisconsin – Minnesota border area.

On December 8, 1951, Ross married Lois Sauerbrey in the Pine County area of Minnesota. They moved to Washington and became loving parents to Dale Hughes.

Ross continued working in the sales and distribution field throughout much of his life. Along with being a conscientious worker, Ross enjoyed playing cards, traveling, bowling, hunting, fishing, dancing, and woodworking. He was very family-oriented and held a special place in the hearts of many.

Ross was survived by his son Dale (Evangeline) Hughes, two half-brothers Bill & Bruce (Jean) Hughes, sister & brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Ross was preceded in death by wife Lois, father Bill Hughes and mother Rilla Sampson, brothers and sisters: Ella (Vernon) Hills, George (Mavis) Hughes, Myron – Mike (Elva Suz) Hughes, May (Wesley) Cartright, Harland (Betty) Hughes, Betty (Leonard Moe) (Robert Moss), Donald Hughes, Charles Hughes, Florence Hughes, Marie Hughes and half-brother Frank Hughes.

At 98 years of age, Ross was one of the longest-living members of his family. He not only lived a long life but also a full life. He was loved and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Skyway VFW Post 9430

7421 S. 126th St

Seattle, WA 98178

206-772-9982

or your favorite charity.

A graveside service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on January 16th, 2025 at 1:30 pm.

There will be a gathering after at IHOP in Kent:

24060 104th Ave SE

Kent, WA 98030