Lois Ann Conklin Hughes

Lois Ann Conklin Hughes, affectionately known as "Bug", "Mom", "Mimi", and "Honey", passed away in her home, surrounded by family on September 20, 2012. She was 85 years old. Lois was born January 9, 1927 in Washington, D.C., where she was also raised. She attended the Maret School, a French primary school in D.C. and she sang in the church choir. She also enjoyed playing the piano. She was the 2nd child of Dr. Rush West Conklin and Beryl Emily Brown and had a big sister named Beryl. She credits her sister, Beryl and fianc, John Kester, with introducing her to the love of her life, Billy. They met in Rhode Island in a base casino. Billy always said he knew he was hooked when he gave Lois the money for the slot machine. Lois married Bill on her 19th birthday at the First Congregational Church in downtown D.C. She was in her last semester of nursing school and she said she "traded the RN for the Mrs." In those days you were not allowed to be married in nurse's training. They retired in San Antonio in 1972 from a glorious Air Force and Air National Guard career. Lois had her own retirement parade and ceremony at their 30th wedding anniversary in 1976 at their beautiful home in Shady Oaks. Lois and Billy were involved in their neighborhood, their RV group, and then the cruise ship adventures in their retirement. They did a little stained glass for a time too. Lois loved cruising most of all and together they went on 28 cruises. She was well-known for the clever sayings that she and Billy posted on her wheelchair each day of the cruise. One of the favorites was "Grandma's on a roll!" She enjoyed playing Mah Jong and card games and was an avid bird watcher, often quoting factoids that the children were all told to memorize "because there's a test later." Lois was deeply spiritual and spirituality shined through every night as she climbed her stairs to go to bed. She said a prayer for each loved one on each step of her staircase. Step 8 was always reserved for family or friends that had a special need on that day. Her love and care for those around her will be missed dearly. She is survived by her husband of more than 66 years, Arthur G. Hughes, Jr. (The Colonel, Billy, Popeye, or Pop-Pop); son, Arthur G. Hughes, III (Trey) and wife, Lela; daughter, Beryl Alice Rose (Cricket) and husband, Tom; granddaughter, Kristina Michele Hernandez and husband, Scott; grandson, Arthur G. Hughes, IV (A.G.) and wife, Kelley; great-grandchildren, Brianna Abigail, Riley Mireille, Hadyn Christopher, and Keller Patrick. She is also survived by a fine herd of deer, several not-too-feral cats, a squirrel, and many, many birds. The family wishes to express our immense gratitude to the Hughes' neighbors Gail and Scott, Kat, and Robin. We thank you for years of kindness and many fond memories. Lois traveled halfway around the world on more than one occasion, starting at the age of 5. Now she is on her last voyage and we expect it will be first class all the way.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

10:00 A.M.

PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 508, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012