Norman “Norm” Hughes transitioned to his heavenly home with Jesus on March 1, 2022. He joined the love of his life, Rosalie “Rosie” who entered his heavenly home on September 16, 2019.

Norm was born in Crossville Illinois on June 16, 1933 to Nora Belle (Langford) and Edgar E. Hughes. He was active in scouts and sports in his early years. He met Rosie in his early teens and dated her from that time until their marriage on December 27, 1953. Norm was proud to have served in the Army, Fifth Armored Division, Company C, 80th heavy tank battalion from April 1953 to April. 1955 when he was honorably discharged. Norm worked as a carpenter, then in furniture retail and wholesale soft drink businesses before embarking on a career at Meadow Gold, where he retired in 1994 after 32 years. Upon retirement, Norm purchased and remodeled his and Rosie’s lakeside home in Neoga, Illinois. There he enjoyed working, trading, and selling Model A cars. After many years dividing their time between summers in Illinois and winters in their Phoenix condo, they became full-time residents of Phoenix in 2015. Norm’s trademark entertainment was sharing his many jokes and stories with his friends and family.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Bruce) Irving, his son, Eric Hughes, his grandchildren, Kristi (Kris) Kratz, Ryan Hughes, Layne Hughes, and his great-grandchildren, Jami Kratz and Sydney Kratz, all of Phoenix, Arizona area, sister, Emilie Jackson of Carmi Illinois and brother, John Hughes of Alexandria Louisiana.

Norman was predeceased by his parents, Nora Belle and Edgar Hughes, his brothers, Maurice (Sammy) Hughes, Glen Hughes, Wayne Hughes and Wilbur Hughes, and his sisters, Doris Downen and Janet Armstrong.

He enjoyed attending Neoga United Methodist Church in Illinois and Paradise Valley United Methodist Church in Arizona, especially Saguaros Fellowship.

service information

Celebration of Life will be held at Best Funeral Services, 501 East Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85020 on March 31, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. A fellowship reception will follow the service at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, in the Library, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Submissions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to: Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix AZ 85014 602.530.6992 https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/

Rosalie (Rosie) Hughes returned home to be with her Lord while at Phoenix Mountain Post-Acute Care on Monday, September 16, 2019.

Rosalie was born in Carmi, Illinois. September 11, 1934 to Alpha Irene (Bratton) and Delbert A. Wagner. She graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1952. Rosalie was musically talented playing flute, piano, and singing in various bands, majoring in music at George Peabody College in Nashville, TN. Rosalie married her elementary school crush after meeting Norman Hughes in his early teens at the Crossville Ritz Theater where he was employed by her father, who owned the theater. They were married at Carmi First Baptist Church in December 1953. Rosalie became a homemaker and worked at Ainsbrook Garment Factory, then as a secretary at Crown Finance in Carmi. After moving to Mattoon, IL in 1970, she became active in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was employed as an executive secretary by Blaw-Knox Construction Equipment Company where she retired in 1996. She and Norman enjoyed their retirement dividing their time between their lakeside home in Neoga, IL and their condo in Phoenix. , AZ, becoming full-time residents of Phoenix in 2015.

Rosalie is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Norman Hughes. They were married in Carmi, IL on December 27, 1953. As an only child, she was thrilled to gain so many “siblings” when she married Norman.

Rosalie remembers with love her daughter, Debbie (Bruce) Irving, her son, Eric Hughes, her grandchildren, Kristi (Kris) Kratz, Ryan Hughes, Layne Hughes and her great-grandchildren, Jami Kratz and Sydney Kratz , all from Phoenix, AZ

Rosalie was predeceased by her father, Delbert Wagner and her mother, Alpha Wagner.

Rosie and Norm loved having friends over, whether it was at their house, a potluck by the lake, or on a Friday night. They loved attending Neoga United Methodist Church and Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, especially Saguaros Fellowship. Rosie often made her Blackberry Dumplings for such occasions.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held in Phoenix, AZ at the time of his passing.

service information

A joint celebration of life for Rosie and Norm will be held at Crossville United Methodist Church (408 2nd St, Crossville, IL) on Saturday, May 28. The celebration will begin with a visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Service of Life celebration at 11:00 a.m. At the end of the service, all guests are invited to join the family for food and communion in the church communion hall. At 3:30 p.m., a brief cemetery prayer, salute and interment of Rosie and Norman’s ashes will take place at Newman Cemetery, Carmi.

Submissions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to:

Crossville United Methodist Church

Box 90A

Crossville, Illinois 62827-0803