Garnet Ruth (Toumine) Hughes, 93, of West Lafayette, formerly of Chalmers, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Heritage Health Care of West Lafayette. Garnet was born November 25, 1924 in White County, IN to the late John Leighton Toumine Sr. and Elsie Fern (Kneisley) Toumine.

She married Perry J. Hughes on July 28, 1945 in Brookston, he preceded her in death in 1999.

Garnet attended schools in Monon, Wolcott, and Chalmers in White County. She worked for Bryan manufacturing, Jessup Box Company, and later retired from Purdue University, Wiley Residence Hall. Her first job at Purdue was a maid in the Wiley Residence Hall. She cleaned the room of the then famous Rick Mount and Frank Kendrick, as well as several other fine young men, many who kept in contact with her over the years. She then transferred to the Wiley dining area and retired as the Head Salad Lady. She made very creative centerpieces out of fruits and vegetables.

In her spare time, Garnet enjoyed making floral arrangements, sewing, cooking, and spending time with the grandchildren. She was a member of the Chalmers Community Church and active in the ladies Evening Circle Group. She greatly enjoyed her monthly ladies Bunco Group parties.

Surviving are two sons, Perry Wayne of Chalmers, and Charles P. “Chuck” of Brookston; daughter, Pamela K. Hiner (Bruce) of Chalmers. Grandchildren, Aaron and Evan McKim, Anita Johnson, Amy Vance (Jason), Joseph P. Hughes, and Ryan Hiner; great-grandchildren, Meredith Vance, Xavier Hughes, Vanessa Little, Joshua Oliver; great-great-granddaughter, Izabella Little. She is also survived by a sister, Imogene “Imy” Jenkins and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death along with her parents and husband is a daughter, Beverly Hughes Boyle; granddaughter, Michelle Ann Hiner; great-granddaughter, Jessica Oliver and daughter-in-law, Alecia (Kingma) Hughes. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Bernard, Verlin (Hap), Myron (Ed), and John Jr. Toumine; sisters, Edith Dilling, Elenore (Bernice) Toumine, Geneva Malone, Wilda Sanders, Aldine Holderly, and Roselynn (Betty) Metcalf.

Friends may call from 4-8 PM (EST) Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral Service 11 AM (EST) Friday, December 8, 2017 at Chalmers Community Church. Pastor Bill Henderson to officiate. Interment to follow in Chalmers Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Garnet’s name to Chalmers Community Church.

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuenralservices.com.