Ilene Hughes, 78, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 2, 2025. Ilene, originally from Turkey Ridge, SD, grew up on the Iron Range of Minnesota before moving to the Twin Cities with her husband of 57 years, Pat. A long time resident of Apple Valley, she managed a successful home daycare, nurturing multitudes of kids who were always considered part of the Hughes family. Daycare kids will remember the many Thursday garage sale trips, with kids and treasures all packed in the car. The trips were always most fruitful when her sisters (especially Gloria) and nieces were visiting from Grand Rapids.

A fervent supporter of the athletic and academic pursuits of her daughters and granddaughter, she often wore her heart and her opinion on her sleeve. She didn’t always have a lot to say, but was almost always right when she did. A helpful, but sometimes unappreciated, navigator, she enjoyed the control that the helmet microphone provided while riding on the back of their Goldwing and criss-crossing the country with Bob & Ruth Erickson, Butch & Ruth Ann Breckenridge, and Vern & Bev Jellum.

Upon their (pseudo) retirement, Pat and Ilene relocated to Gold Canyon, AZ, where Ilene dominated in all card games and tried (mostly in vain) to quiet her talkative and beloved dog, Gilbert. She thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and her chauffeured rides to the thrift stores.

Ilene is survived by her husband, Patrick Hughes of Gold Canyon, AZ, daughters, Sheila Singer (Christopher) of Blaine, MN, and Shannon Hughes (Anthony Soltis) of Kensington, MD, and granddaughter, Mackenzie Singer of Blaine, MN. 

A celebration of life will be planned in Minnesota in the summer 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a children’s charity of your choice. 

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