Barbara Hughey

Barbara Hughey was a hardworking, people-serving, gift-giving woman. Her heart was open and accepting, loving and caring. Though she always put family first, there was no question that she had time and talent enough to spend on those around her. If she had a motto, “Deal with it and move on” would accurately reflect her kindness and pragmatism. Barb was real and she kept life positive.

Barbara was born to Reuel and Elsie (Wadenstorfer) Kaiser in Three Rivers, Michigan on March 29, 1940. The decade began with the United States cautiously watching events unfold in Europe, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was encouraging citizens with his Fireside Chats. Americans were still weathering the challenges of the Great Depression, though farm families such as the Kaisers fared somewhat better, because they were self-sufficient enough to provide the basics of life.

Barb grew up learning the values of hard work and family unity along with her five older siblings: Herbert, Doris, Ralph, John and Nancy. Already at a young age, Barb was driving tractor and plowing in order to help out on the farm. At the same time, she fully enjoyed childhood. She and Nancy had fun claiming the attic as their indoor playground and trying to get away with eating peanut butter. The two of them spent hours together on the two-mile walk to the one-room schoolhouse in Parkville during Barb’s elementary school days.

Throughout her secondary education, Barb was active in school, church and community. She played drums and clarinet in the school marching band, helped teach Sunday School at the West Mendon United Methodist Church and was active in 4H, including raising a pig. When she graduated from Mendon High School in 1958, Barb had developed well-rounded experiences as well as character. She also began a journey that would bring happiness for years to come.

Already in her freshman year of high school, Barb met Rodger Hughey. From their first date, the two were together in a relationship that grew into love and commitment. They married at the West Mendon United Methodist Church on September 7, 1958, just shortly after graduation. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon at Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge and the Soo Locks and stayed with relatives from Hubbard Lake. They made their home in Vicksburg, where Barb once again engaged her community as a member of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women's Group in the Susanna Wesley Circle.

Barb worked as a Purchasing Secretary for the Simpson Papermill in Vicksburg and as a partner with her husband in the Rodger Hughey Builders, keeping the books. Throughout their married life, Barb and Rodger enjoyed traveling all over the US and in their home state. A few times each year, they made their way north to Traverse City and Mackinaw City, especially during the autumn when the trees were turning brilliant colors and, truth be told, to bring home some fudge. They also took in some casinos, and though the trips were mostly Rodger’s idea, Barb seemed to be the lucky one. All in all, Barb’s favorite place was her home, where she could simply sit and watch deer and other animals in her yard.

Barb and Rodger were blessed with three children—Rick, Randy and Kathy. As a selfless parent, Barb managed a household in which she cooked great meals, making “something out of nothing,” and in the early years, she also did a lot of canning.

Barb’s commitment to her family was evident to her children and, in time, her grandchildren. It was one of the reasons she loved the holidays and throwing birthday parties for everyone. Easter and Christmas meant she could decorate the home to her heart’s content and make sure everyone had the best presents she could think of. Even friends who were dating her grandchildren received nice gifts—that’s how generous she was.

Barb and Rodger were very attentive to their children and grandchildren. They made a point of going to their activities and never missed a grandchild’s involvement in an event. Perhaps knowing what joy would come from remembering, Barb kept all of the kids’ school items and knickknacks over the years. Truly, the family now has wonderful memories to share in recalling how special Barb was as a dearly loved wife, mother and grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rodger; three children: Rick (Ann) Hughey of Vicksburg, Randy (Janine) Hughey of Vicksburg, Kathy (Steve) Peterson of Vicksburg; seven grandchildren: Ryan, Allen, Erica and David Hughey; Nicholas Peterson; Kati (Matthew) Roberts; and Jared Peterson. She is also survived by her two siblings: John Kaiser of Holland and Nancy (Bob) Drahos of Vicksburg and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three siblings: Herb Kaiser, Doris Dentler and Ralph Kaiser.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2 to 6 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 AM at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church.

Please visit Barb’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online. Those who wish may make donations to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church and/or Generous Hands.