Kathryne (Kate) Ann Hughes

Kathryne (Kate) Ann Hughes passed away February 14, 2021 in Murray, UT. Kate was born in Provo, UT to parents Rex and Betty Hughes in 1941. She attended Saint Francis Catholic High School in Provo where she was class president, leader of the drill team, and a member of the chorus and craft clubs. Although she excelled in school, she always felt like an outsider as a Catholic girl growing up in Provo. These feelings of exclusion led Kate to have a love for the underdog and an empathy for those who were discriminated against. She chose to channel these sentiments by working toward equal rights her entire life. During her time at Mountain Bell, she served as a pluralism facilitator where she taught her colleagues in the methods of Jane Elliott. One of her fondest memories was of her participation in the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation in 1993. Her generosity to others was demonstrated in many ways. Those closest to her were the benefactors of much kindness. This generosity also extended to the community. In her younger years, she enjoyed spending time in downtown Salt Lake City helping to feed the homeless. She was also a contributor to The Utah Somos Foundation and a member of the Elks Organization. Her political views were strongly held. The Rachel Maddow Show was her favorite program, and she enjoyed watching it over the phone with her sister Suzanne prior to Suzanne’s death 9 months ago. Recently, she joked that she had to make it long enough to see Joe Biden elected president. We are happy that her wish was fulfilled.

Like many people of her generation, Kate was a smoker, and try as she may, she was never able to kick the habit, which resulted in advanced COPD. She hated wearing her oxygen and would explain to people that she didn’t want to become dependent on it. If you are a smoker and have anyone who loves you, please stop now!

Kate was proceeded in death by her brother Stephen Hughes and sisters Jean Deel and Suzanne Elder. She is survived by her brother James (Raquel) Hughes, daughters Marie DeVincenzo and Monica (Scott) Farnsworth, grandchildren Morgan (Bill) Phillips, Gavin Hafey, Max Farnsworth, and Greyson Farnsworth, niece Loreli Monaco, and nephews Ramon (Gloria) Elder and Craig Elder.

A private, family graveside service was held at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:00. The family will hold a celebration of life later in the year when travel becomes safer.

We will miss her generosity, kindness, and sense of humor deeply.