Barbara Jean Hughes

Barbara Jean Hughes

Cedar Rapids

Barbara Jean Platt Ard Hughes, 102, passed away on Sunday, Oct 8, 2023. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. There will be a reception following the graveside service at the Cedar Memorial Family Center.

Barbara was born to Seymour G. and Barbara A. King Platt on April 13, 1921, in Oelwein, Iowa. Upon graduation from Oelwein High School in 1939, Barbara and her parents moved to Cedar Rapids, where they joined First Presbyterian Church. Whenever Barbara lived in Cedar Rapids, she was an active member of First Presbyterian. Barbara attended Coe College from 1939-1940. She then worked as a secretary for La Plant Choate, Fruehauf, Terry Durin Company and Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids.

Barbara married Gerald F. Ard in 1943. During the following years, they lived in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, New Mexico and Honolulu. While in Albuquerque, Barbara worked as a secretary for the New Mexico State Fair for 11 years. Barbara loved the DESERT Southwest, including its art, pottery, jewelry and especially turquoise. Later, while they were living in Merritt Island, Fla., Jerry died of a heart attack on May 28, 1971.

Barbara returned to Cedar Rapids and cared for her mother and aunt. She volunteered at St. Luke’s (UnityPoint) Hospital, was a member of LI Chapter of PEO and, of course, First Presbyterian Church.

In 1987, Barbara married Ralph Hughes and inherited a family. Barbara and Ralph enjoyed traveling in his motor home to various southwestern states, attending Iowa football games and spending time with Ralph’s family. Ralph passed away on May 28, 1996.

Barbara moved into Deer Ridge/Meth Wick Community in the summer of 1996 where she enjoyed spending time with her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Harley Ransom, attending many activities and social functions there. Barbara made many close friends in the Meth Wick Community. She also enjoyed attending Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and Orchestra Iowa concerts and playing Scrabble.

Barbara is survived by her stepchildren, Ellen Engstrom, Gene Stanley, Ann (Robert) Schley, Evan (Chip) Hughes and Carol Pohlman; nephews, Thomas (Donna), Richard (Janet) and John (Kathleen) Ransom; and generations of step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Seymoure and Barbara; husbands, Gerald F. Ard and Ralph Hughes; and sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Harley Ransom.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Camp Courageous or charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.