Obituary of Betty Hughes

Having just celebrated her 87^th birthday on February 22nd, Betty Rose [Young] Hughes, 87, was beckoned home by her beloved Max and departed this life peacefully on February 26, 2024 in Covington, KY. Born to Tusco Young and Edna [Long] Young; she was raised in Newport, KY.

Betty was “a tough but sweet old bird” and a “spiritual woman of God.” Like many of her generation, she left school early to help support her family. She worked odd jobs and was working at a drugstore when she met the love of her life, Max Hughes. She and Max enjoyed music and dancing. More than once they were crowned the “Jitterbug Queen and King.” She and Max got married and raised their family in Independence, KY. Betty split her time being a stay at home mom and homemaker and also working in the cafeteria for various Kenton County Schools such as White’s Tower and Kenton Elementary. She eventually went back to get her GED and was employed as a forklift operator for Emerald Food Service (formerly Keebler, Kellogg and now Ferrero). She and Max had one of the most beautiful and relaxing homes, which included a garden and a peaceful pond. They both loved to work in the yard. In her younger years, she and Max were famous for the pool parties and get-togethers they hosted. She loved playing various games with friends and family including Pictionary and Outburst. In her golden years, she was an avid traveler. She and Max spent the last few years of their lives together traveling everywhere they could.  They went all across the United States and even overseas to Italy.

Betty loved being creative and using the works of her hands for the greater good. She always fantasized about being a window display designer (spurred on from her time at the drug store). Her expressive outlet later on in life became her sewing. She was a master seamstress, quilter and embroiderer.  She not only created everything by hand-stitching, but she also never utilized a commercial pattern. Be it bell bottoms for her children, a cozy quilt or a wedding dress for a client, she instead always developed her own patterns and designs. Her pieces were always executed with the utmost quality. In addition to creating many beautiful pieces for her family and the community, she also created many quilts, blankets and hats for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Betty was the kind of wife, mom, and mamaw that all of us wish we could have.  She was the beloved and devoted wife of Max Hughes; dear mom to Deborah “Debbie” Rankin (Veach), Vera Humphrey, Patricia “Patty” Ryan (Don) and Michael “Mike” Hughes (Linda); treasured sister to William “Sonny” Young and Emma Jean Deaton; and “Mamaw Buddy” to eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her dear husband, her sisters Juanita Turner and Gladys Turner and her son-in-law Tom Humphrey.

No formal services are scheduled at this time for Betty; however, she will be cremated and rest at home with family.

Giving the work of her hands, Betty was a lifelong supporter of St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The family encourages you to donate in her memory to St. Jude’s online.

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