Ruth "Kathleen" Hughes passed away on November 14, 2022. Kathleen is a former ABC Ohio President. She served most recently as the organist for Faith Fellowship Baptist Church until her retirement at the age of 89. She served in many capacities ministering with her husband Robert in small churches around the state of Ohio.

She was born in Akron, but grew up in Ironton, Ohio. She graduated from Ironton High School in 1946. After working for three years, she enrolled at Denison University as a Music major. Early in her first year, she met Robert Hughes, a senior, and her plans changed. They were married in August, 1950, and moved to Philadelphia while Robert was in seminary. In 1954, they began a life of ministering together in small churches around the state. Wherever they went, Kathleen served as Sunday School teacher, choir director, pianist/organist--wherever the need was. Most recently, she served as organist for Faith Fellowship Baptist Church until retiring at the age of 89.

As a girl and young woman, Kathleen was active in the Girl Scouts. Later, she became involved in the American Baptist Women and American Baptist Church life, at the local, state, and national levels. Kathleen was an accomplished musician, both in voice and on keyboard. In high school, she performed at many recitals and concerts as soloist or accompanist. In a theme she wrote at Denison, she said, "I want to be surrounded by children: my own--or someone else's. It does not matter if they have dirty faces and ragged clothes, if I can help them to absorb a love for music " She enjoyed performing with her son David, son-in-law Greg and granddaughter Katie, among many others.

Kathleen was an avid fan of the Indians/Guardians; their games were the only reason she had a television! She was also a prolific reader, and loved to cross-stitch.

Kathleen was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 67 years, her daughter Debra Anderson, her brother Raymond, her sister Marjorie Miller, and her beloved cat, Tigger, her companion for 20 years. She is survived by her children: Stephanie (Steve) Colton, Gwenyth Peterman, David, Heidi (Robert) Carr, Laurie Yeckle, Daniel, and Gretchen (Greg) Fiocca; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Please keep her family in your prayers.