Martha "Marti" K. Hughes

Martha “Marti” K. Hughes, 79 of New Concord, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the Beckett House in New Concord.

Marti was born on July 26, 1944 in Muskingum County. She is the youngest daughter of the late L. Gail and Elsie (Elliott) McLees. Growing up in the hills of Rix Mills on the family dairy farm, Marti showed the prized Jersey cows at the Muskingum County Fair, throughout her 4-H years. She graduated from New Concord High School where she was Salutatorian. Marti was also a part of the National Honor Society, as well as a cheerleader, and was a member of the Homecoming Court in 1961. Marti was very involved with her community, becoming a member of the Norwich Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, as well as a member and officer for the Norwich Chapter of Children’s Conservation League, and she volunteered for the Good Samaritan Hospital for many years.

Marti was married to her husband, Dick, for sixty-one years. They had a small vow renewal ceremony on June 30, 2023, at the Beckett House, attended by family and close friends. During their marriage, Marti was a full time homemaker, wife, and mother.

Marti shared her love of animals with her husband, especially horses, which they referred to as Hughes Quarter Horses. They won several awards from the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the World Show that is held in Oklahoma.

Marti had a variety of interests throughout her life. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, playing cards and board games with her family and friends. In her earlier years, Marti loved to sing and was a part of the College Drive Presbyterian Church, and would sing as a soloist for her family and friends’ weddings. She was an avid reader of a variety of genres, completing crossword puzzles, and within the last six years, watching and playing along with Jeopardy. Marti could not be interrupted during this time, and kept a daily record of all of her correct responses.

Marti is survived by her daughter, Heidi Hughes of Canal Winchester; her two grandchildren, Whitney Hughes and Dallas (Taysa) Hughes; her great-grandsons, Grayson Flowers and Jaylen Hughes; her sisters, Gayla (Earl) Smith and Janet (Larry) Sebach; her sister-in-laws, Margaret Hughes of Michigan and Carol Bradford of Coshocton; her aunt, Edith Hahn; her special friend, Morgan Nash; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

In addition to her parents, Marti is preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard “Dick” J. Hughes, who passed away on July 7, 2023; her son, Richard “Rick” Hughes II; her sister, Eleanor (Neal) Aven of Texas; her brother-in-laws, Darrel Hughes, Roger Bradford, and Bill Aven.

Visitations for Marti will be held at 10:30 am to 12 pm, January 6, 2024, at the Rix Mills United Presbyterian Church, 2770 Rix Mills Road, New Concord, Ohio 43762. Memorial service for Marti will be held at noon on the same day at the church. The family would like to ask for the attendants to wear bright colors in Marti’s honor.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date.

The Farus Funeral Home of New Concord is caring for the Hughes family.