Long time Geary and Watonga resident Estella Hughs - she liked to be called Stella - went to be with her Jesus March 17, 2006 in Midwest City, Oklahoma.  She was born in Lamar, Arkansas April 22, 1909 to John and Ida Watson Hughs.

It was during a brush arbor meeting in 1927, that she asked Jesus to come into her life.  Asked what she valued most in life, her answer was Jesus.

During 1931 she moved with her family to Carlton, a little town near Canton, Oklahoma.  Then in 1945 she moved with her parents and sister Emma to Geary where she helped operate the Geary Laundry.  For many years she attended the Mennonite Church Ladies Aid.  As part of this group, she spent many hours quilting for the Mennonite Relief Sale.  She also made many beautiful crocheted works of art and knitted sweaters for family and friends.  She loved to garden and won "Yard of the Month" more than once.

In September of 1992 Stella and her sister sold their home in Geary and moved to Watonga to be near their brother and sister.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.  Ona and Emma Hughs and Mae Alexander.

She is survived by two sisters: Clora Dixon of Watonga and and Edna and husband Ben Kiopfensfine of Oklahoma City, and one brother George and wife LaQuita Hughs of Watonga and many nieces and nephews.

Asked what she wanted people to remember about her, her answer was "That I've been kind, that I get my strength from prayer and that I live for Jesus."

Funeral services will be 1 pm Wednesday March 22, 2006 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Watonga, Oklahoma with burial in the Geary Cemetery under the direction of Turner Funeral Home in Geary, Rev. Jim Constant will officiate.

The family would like to thank the staff at Manor Care Nursing Home and Odyssey Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Stella and especially Mary who was there at the end.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Watonga or Oklahoma Children's Cancer Association, PO Box 96292, Oklahoma City, OK  73413.