Ann Hughes

Ann Coleman Sutherland Hughes was a curious and confident matriarch. Born on February 14, 1939, Ann grew through heart-filled birthdays into a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an avid gardener, history-keeper, and lifelong-learner. Without any indication that she ever planned to slow down, she finished a joyful week of celebrations with friends and family and quietly took her rest on June 21, 2025 at home in Centerville, Ohio.

Ann is survived by her deeply-loved children, Heather and Don Hughes and their families including Heather’s husband Tom and their three precious children, Shannon (Jenn) Arens-Hughes, Molly (Ryan Bertani), and Jack, and her adoring great-grandson, Reilan Arens-Hughes, as well as Don’s wife Cathy and their two precious children Bobby and Aggie. She is joyfully reunited with those who preceded her in death: her husband and light-footed dance partner, Donald C. Hughes, her favorite big brother, Dick Sutherland, and her elegant and loving parents, John C. and Anna Lee Coleman Sutherland.

Ann was a graduate of John Burroughs School in her beloved hometown of St. Louis, where she grew up in a home built for the 1904 World’s Fair. She moved to Washington, DC to study at Mount Vernon College. Luckily, Georgetown was close enough that she met the love of her life, Don. They married on New Year’s Eve in 1959. Together, they built a family adventurous enough to move from New Jersey to Nebraska and eventually, Centerville, OH. No task was too daunting for Ann, who worked along with Don running their own business, taught people about gardening, and quilted and cooked her way into many hearts. She was an award-winning volunteer. The soundtrack of Ann was the clink of charms on her wrist and ice in her glass, and the whistling promise that “life could be a dream.” She will be so missed by all who loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 27, 11:00am at St. Leonard Chapel 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH 45458. Visitation begins at 10:00am.

Donations can be made in Ann’s name to Ignite Peace at ignitepeace.org