MRS. BETTY HUGHES of Diamond City, beloved wife of the late Mr. Leonard Hughes, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge after a brief illness on Monday, July 21, 2008 with her loving family at her side.

Betty Mae Hughes was born in Taber, Alberta on May 5, 1927, one of fifteen children of Murray and Bertha Hanna, and grew up in Southern Alberta, attending school in Taber and Diamond City.

After moving to Lethbridge in 1945, she married Leonard Hughes of Diamond City on November 27, 1947 and settled on the family farm near Diamond City. They raised three children, Patricia, Barry and Murray.

Betty worked at Hoyt's Hardware and Dallaird's ladies wear for many years and took a great interest in her children and grandchildren, attending countless basketball, hockey and football games, often traveling great distances to do so. She was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron of the Picture Butte Chapter in 1967. She married Thomas Parker of Picture Butte 1982; the couple separated in 2007.

In her later years Betty enjoyed dining out and visiting friends and family, and though her illness caused her great pain, she was always ready with a smile for whoever she met. Mom was a true gem and will be remembered fondly and with love by all who knew her.

Betty was predeceased by her son Barry in 1971, her husband Leonard in 1975, and by thirteen brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter Pat (John) Gillam of Lethbridge; son Murray of Lethbridge; grandsons Sean (Leigh) Gillam of McAllen, Texas and Brad (Melissa) Gillam of Lethbridge; her great-grandchildren Shane Gillam of McAllen, Texas and Madeleine and Elizabeth Gillam of Lethbridge; and by two sisters, Muriel Hanna of Picture Butte and Shirley Schinnour of Pine Lake, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 25, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Brian Magee officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's memory by those who wish to the Palliative Care Unit of St. Michael's Health Centre, 1400 - 5 Ave South, Lethbridge, T1J 4V5.