ANNA (DOENZ) HUGHSON

MRS. ANNIE HUGHSON of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. J M Hughson, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the age of 99 years.

Annie was born on Oct 6, 1912 on the farm east of Warner to Barbara and Christian Doenz. She was the oldest of seven children, all of whom as well as their spouses have predeceased her: baby brother Ernest, brothers Irvine and wife Gene, Leo and wife Helen, and sisters Lydia, Doris and husband Joe, and Eileen and husband Ted. Annie is also predeceased by her son Darrell, granddaughter Kirby and her devoted husband JM. She is also predeceased by JM's sisters and husbands: Jean and Carl Thompson, Gwen and Nevell Powell, Helen and Darrell Lash. Cousin Hans Doenz and wife Susan in Switzerland have also predeceased her.

Annie is survived by son Darrell's widow Joan, and their children Vane (Tracy), Clark (LeeAnn) and Cindy (Jim) Urasaki; son Leroy (Pat) and their sons Darren (Cathy) and Justin (Joni); daughter Barbara (Dave) Clarke and their children Graham (partner Leah), Chris, and Andrea (partner Mark); 11 Great-grandchildren and one Great-great-grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and two cousins in Switzerland.

Annie grew up on the farm in the days of open prairie with no electricity or telephone, helping her dad by riding horseback and later driving tractors and trucks. As many children of immigrants, she didn't speak English when she started Grade 1 in January 1919 due to the flu epidemic. She was determined to complete her schooling, so she finished Gr 11 in Warner, Gr 12 at LCI, Lethbridge and then Normal School in Calgary for teacher training. She taught three years in a one room school called Kippenville, approximately twenty miles east of Milk River. After teaching in Warner for one year, she married JM Hughson in 1935, and settled on their farm near Masinasin. Three children were born and raised in this community setting. Their work ethic and devotion to each other were models for us all. JM and Annie were very active in many community organizations which supported the education, health and development of their family, friends and neighbors. Her immediate and extended family were most important in her life and much time and energy supported, encouraged and kept us all connected. She was loved and admired by many and will always be in the loving memory of those who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, June 18, 2012 at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 - 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating.