Mary Dolores (Dodie) Hughes was born to Myrtle Jane and Arthur Edward Lewis in Castella, California on September 23, 1936. She grew up as an only child in Dunsmuir, California and graduated with the Senior Class of 1954. She continued her education at California J.C. in Auburn, California and was offered a job at McClellan Air Force Base. She married Staff Sergeant Sidney Hughes, Jr on May 6, 1956 while he was stationed in California, McClellan, 2049th AACS.
She is survived by her loving husband Sid, five children, Janie Hughes, Sherrie Smith (and husband Lealon), Justin Hughes (and wife Monica), Maureen Te-Ruki and Mary Wiggs (and husband David); 9 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Dodie raised the children while Sid worked multiple jobs as they were starting out. They moved from California back to her husband's home state of Oklahoma in June of 1967, settling in Tulsa where they would make their home. Once the five children were all in school Dodie became a super volunteer at their home church, Christ Methodist in Tulsa. Before long she was hired by the church where she served for nearly two decades, retiring from her position as the ever-effective Office Manager for the Christian Counseling Center.
Dodie was an avid reader and life-long learner. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Scrabble and other games with Sid, the kids and grandkids throughout the years. She was one of those creative people who could sew, cross-stitch, crochet, embroidery and paint- she always had a project going and several more that she was creating in her mind. She took classes at TCC in sociology, psychology, history, philosophy and world religions as an adult, just for the love of learning. She enjoyed raising her children at Christ United Methodist church, and all things related to their Sunday School class, including Sqaure dancing and bowling league alongside with Sid.
Dodie enjoyed singing in the church choir, traveling with her family and hosting big family dinners at her house. She was a wonderful cook and offered great hospitality, support, a listing ear and sometimes words of advice, to any friends the kids might bring home. Faith, family and friends gave her life meaning and richness. Celebration of life services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, Thursday, February 23rd at 2:00 pm in Tulsa.