Ellsworth G. Hughes Obituary (1906

In Loving Memory Of Rev. Ellsworth G. Hughes, of Milford, died Saturday, August 21, 2004, at Heartland Park Assisted Living Center in Seward at the age of 97 years, 10 months and 5 days. He was born October 16, 1906, in Oklahoma Territory of Woods County Oklahoma, near the town of Aline to Charles "Evart" & Enola "Nola" (Walker) Hughes. He graduated in 1926 from Freedom Public Schools and furthered his education by attending Alva State College and later graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oklahoma State University. Rev. Hughes was presented his local preachers license on his 20th birthday, ordained as a deacon in 1929 in Shawnee, OK and ordained as an elder in 1933 in Blackwell, OK. Ellsworth studied through the United Methodist Conference Course of Study and spent 5 years attending summer school. He served the United Methodist Church Conferences in Oklahoma and Nebraska for over 46 years, retiring in 1974. Rev. Hughes accepted a calling at the West Blue Church in Seward County, Nebraska and ministered there for over 15 years, retiring in 1990. During his tenure in Nebraska, he served in churches in Trenton, Tekamah, Atkinson, Mitchell-Hull, Red Cloud, Syracuse-Unadilla and Friend-Dorchester (1970-74). Ellsworth moved to Nebraska in 1944 and met and married Florence Irene Major at Trenton in 1947. To this union a son and two daughters were born. In addition to his ministry, he also was active in civic organizations, such as the Rotary and Lions, in each of the communities he resided. Survivors include his wife, Florence, Seward, son & daughter-in-law, Alan & Judi Hughes, Alpine, AZ, daughters & sons-in-law, Judy & Terry Desch, Grand Island, Jane & Jeff Ahl, Lincoln, four grandchildren, Terri Dorgan, Elk City, OK, Gretchen & Stacey Heusel, Ryan Desch, all of Omaha, four great-grandchildren, Tyler & Joe Dorgan, Elk City, OK, Sam & Max Heusel, Omaha, a brother & sister-in-law, Oscar & Georgie Hughes, a sister, Viola Hilbig, all of Freedom, OK, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends including special friends, Christal & Adina Von Rentzell, Grand Island and Julie Pulec of Seward. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul Hughes and a niece. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2004, at the Milford United Methodist Church with Rev. James Miller officiating. Interment will be prior to the services at West Blue Cemetery. Visitation is 1-9:00 p.m. Tuesday at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford. Memorials have been established to Milford United Methodist Church or to the Milford Senior Center. Food and Fellowship to follow services at the church. Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford, is entrusted with arrangements.