March 8, 1921 n May 26, 2008

Luree Hughes died peacefully Monday, May 26, in her home at the Regent Retirement Residence, which she shared with her cat, Janie.

Luree was born in Hebo on March 8, 1921. She spent her early childhood in Orofino, Idaho, and later in Salem, where she graduated from Salem High School. She attended Willamette University and graduated with a degree in French in 1942.

It was during her time at Willamette that she met Ken Hughes, and the two were married on June 4, 1942.

Ken and Luree moved to Berkeley, Calif., in 1942, and Luree stayed there during the war while Ken was stationed in Alaska. When he returned in 1945, they moved to El Sobrante, Calif. During these years, they often hiked and camped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In 1956, Ken and Luree moved to Alaska and finally to Corvallis in 1964. They found a home in the First Presbyterian church here, and Luree served the church for four decades.

Luree was a gifted gardener and shared her love of flowers in the arrangements she prepared for the church.

Her life was one of service to the community as well. She taught knitting classes to college students, volunteered at the ARC and knitted caps for area children. She was also known for her hand-made greeting cards.

Luree's husband preceded her in death in 1980.

She is survived by her brother, Dan Norris of Eugene; daughter, Allison Liesse and grandson, Alan, of Halsey; daughter, Anita Hughes of Corvallis; and son, Brian Hughes and his wife, Victoria, and granddaughter, Rachel of Coarsegold, Calif.

A celebration of her life will take place at 3:30 p.m., Friday, May 30, at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis. McHenry Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.