Leona Frieda (Diederich) Hughes

Leona Frieda Hughes, 96, of New Haven, MO, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024 at New Haven Care Center, New Haven, Missouri.

Leona was born in Berger, Missouri on November 22, 1927, the daughter of the late August & Josephine (French) Diederich.  

She was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" W. Hughes on August 4, 1950, in Warrensburg, Missouri.  Together they shared 61 years of marriage until Bob preceded her in death on November 6, 2011.

Leona was affiliated with St. Peter's United Church of Christ in New Haven and St. James Evangelical Church, Stony Hill. She was a member of the New Haven American Legion Auxiliary.

Leona attended college in Warrensburg, Missouri.  She started her teaching career at the age of 17 in a one room school in Etlah.  She later started the Home Economic Department at the New Haven High School when it was on Maupin Street.  She continued teaching Home Economics when the school moved to its current location until her retirement in 1980.  She taught for a total of 32 years. 

Leona enjoyed gardening vegetables & flowers.  She also enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes, they were her favorite.  She had three boys and she loved when they brought home wild game for her to cook.  She was very patriotic and had great respect for the military and police.

Leona is survived by two sons, Robert J. Hughes & wife Vicki, of New Haven, Missouri; and Rodney W. Hughes & wife Leslie, of New Haven, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Candi Hughes, of St. Charles, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Michelle, Benjamin, Zachary, Elizabeth and Johnathan and one great grandchild, Ella.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Richard A. Hughes, and a sister, Rose Menke & husband Eugene.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 13th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Evangelical Church, Stony Hill, with Rev. Tom Lloyd officiating. 

Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery, Berger, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to New Haven American Legion  or St. John's Cemetery, Berger.