Carolyn Hughes

Carolyn May (Brose) Hughes, 82, died early Friday afternoon, June 16, 2023, in Hartford City, IN, with her family at her bedside.

A native and life long resident of Hartford City, she was born May 1, 1941, the eldest of four daughters of the late Paul C. Brose and Lydia S. (Smith) Brose.

Upon graduating from Hartford City High School class of 1959, she attended Ball State Teachers College (now Ball State University), and earned a Bachelors Degree in education in 1962 continuing with a masters degree in 1968.

Carolyn began her 34 year teaching career in ’62 as a 6th grade teacher at William Reed Elementary.  She then spent three decades teaching English at the Hartford City Junior High School until her last few years which were spent with the third graders at Montpelier Elementary School.

Carolyn was a long time and devoted member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Hartford City.  She, of course, loved reading and was enthusiastic about Wit and Wisdom Club and the Hartford City Library book clubs.  An avid card player, she enjoyed playing Bridge in several local clubs and with family and friends.

Carolyn is survived by her son Tracy (Jean) Hughes, of Hartford City; a grandchild, Lydia Hughes of Hartford City; step-grandchildren, Jeni Bell Butcher of Hartford City, Alex (Maranda) Bell of Muncie and Jake (Brooke) Bell also of Muncie.

She is also survived by three Brose sisters; Marilyn “Kay” (Roscoe) Rogers formerly of New Castle now at West Minster Village in Muncie, Josephine A. (Steve) McGrew of Seymour, IN and Linda Baker of Hartford City.  Additionally, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of former students and teachers whom she befriended over the years.

Preceding her in death include her mother on Feb. 17, 1997, her father on Oct. 21, 2002, her former husband, George R. Hughes on May 3, 1997 and nephew Alan Rogers.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the Zion Lutheran Church, 308n S. Monroe St., Hartford City, IN, with the pastor Sharilyn Wendt presiding.  She will be buried next to her father in the Hartford City Cemetery following the church service.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 2-8 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, IN and then again from 10:00 to 11:00 on Saturday morning at the Zion Lutheran Church before the service.

As Carolyn had valiantly fought Ovarian Cancer since 1997, memorial contributions may be sent to any cancer service or organization.  Memorials may also be made in her name to the Zion Lutheran Church of Hartford City and the Blackford County Community Foundation which supports the library and scholarship funding.

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