Fern Hughes, 92, of Brookston, passed away at 4:55 PM, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at University Place of West Lafayette. She was born August 18, 1923 in Lafayette to the late Harry William and Margaret (O'Donnell) Schrader and was a graduate of Brookston High School.

Her marriage was to John E. "Jack" Hughes on June 22, 1946 in St. Mary's Cathedral of Lafayette. Fern and Jack owned and operated Hughes Feed Service and the Brookston grain elevator for many years. He preceded her in death on April 14, 2004.

Her first job was Secretary for the government post office. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Reynolds and the Psi Iota Xi sorority of Brookston.

Fern enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her sisters, the outdoors and tending to her flower gardens. She always made Christmas and all the holidays special for her family.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Jack (Donna) Hughes of Sharpsville, IN, Jill (Steve) Newcom of Lisle, IL, Jan Lamar of Fort Wayne, IN, Jennifer (Phil) Baer of Battle Ground, IN, and Dr. Jay (Deb) Hughes of Indianapolis, IN; and two sisters, Irene Victor and Doris Shultz (Virgil) both of Brookston. Also surviving are her 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death with her parents and husband are her sister, Mary Margaret Hall of Wolcott, her mother and father-in-law, Bethel and John T. Hughes and a son-in-law, Don Lamar.

Friends may call from 2-5 PM (EST) Sunday, April 3, 2016 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral Mass 10 AM Monday, April 4, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Reynolds; Fr. John Cummings to officiate. Interment to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Fern's name to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.

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