In loving memory of

Deanna L. Hughes
October 12, 1960 - February 21, 2012

Deanna L. Hughes, 51, of Ponca, NE passed away at a Sioux City hospital on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, NE with Rev. Dr. Bud Christenson officiating. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, rural Ponca, NE. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 P.M. on Friday, February 24, 2012, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca, NE. Online condolences may be posted at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.


Deanna was born on October 12, 1960 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of Betty (Sherman) and Raymond Harder, Jr. She attended Ponca High School, graduating in 1978. She married Mark Hughes on July 19, 1980 in Elk Point, SD. Deanna was employed at the Elms Health Care Center as a certified medication aide for approximately 20 years. Following her employment at the Elms, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, NE.

Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and wife. Deanna loved to read and cook for her family. She was a very gentle and kind soul and loved spending time with her family. She also loved her dogs, Lex and Max.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Hughes of Ponca, NE; sons, Jeremiah Hughes of Ponca, NE and Scott Richie of Acton, MA; her mother, Betty Stark of Ponca, NE; sisters and brothers, Vivian (Alan) Kunkel of Correctionville, IA, Tom (Carlene) Stark of Ponca, NE, Virginia (Terry) Poulsen of Hornick, IA, Kathy Thompson of North Sioux City, SD, Joni (Don) Merical of Jackson, NE, Cheryl (Darrell) Roland, Tony (Anne) Stark, Tammy (Kenton) Book, all of Ponca, NE, Kevin (Teri) Harder of Jackson, NE; granddaughter, Jordyn Richie of Acton, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deanna was preceded in death by her fathers, Raymond Harder, Jr. and Ralph Stark; and her mother and father-in-law, Ruth and William Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Tributes

Clarice (Guy) Duits, Indianapolis, Indiana wrote on Feb 24, 2012:

"To Deanna??s Mom, Betty and her immediate and extended families... I am so shocked and saddened to hear the news of your sudden loss; as are all of you. Deanna and I were within two days of being ??Birthday Sisters!? Not only were we classmates, but of Deanna??s numerous nieces and nephews, we shared two nieces together (Tom is my brother-in-law); thus, I know that family, undoubtedly, was at the very core of her being and a strong support network. May you all find comfort in knowing that Deanna left her mark on the lives of those with whom she came into contact. Indeed, she was a gentle spirit with a contagious laugh. To each of you... for every tear that falls from your face, may there be a loving memory that lifts you up and brings a smile to your heart. She will be missed. My condolences to you all."