Virginia Hughes

Virginia Ruth Kiker Hughes was born in Stephenville, Texas on July 8, 1916 to George Dunigan Kiker and Alesa Knight Kiker. In 1922, the Kikers moved to Abilene and established Kiker Funeral Home. Virginia had a wonderful childhood, with loving parents who were devoted to her. Virginia attended and graduated from Abilene High School, class of 1934. In July of 1934, Virginia married Veryl Hughes. Veryl elected to go into the oil business with his father, Hal Hughes. After his fathers death, he continued with the oil business. Virginia raised four children during this time, 2 graduating from Abilene High School, 2 from Cooper High School. When the last of her children left for college, Virginia went to nursing school and received her degree as an LVN. She worked for 7 years. In 1978, Veryls cancer took his life. With her help, their two sons, David and Hal, carried on the oil business. Her expertise and attention to detail about all aspects of drilling and completion are legendary. She would be on the rig floor, waiting for the logs, working with the boys to keep the company going. In 1982, daughter Susan entered the family business helping Virginia with paperwork and converting to the computer age. It was a close working relationship that produced wonderful memories that she treasured. Virginias roots are very deep, including relatives on her fathers side that fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War one serving with the legendary Hoods regiment, World War I, World War II, and Korea. On her mothers side, relatives come from Germany, a ship captain that sailed his ship to Galveston Harbor in the late 1800s.

Virginia is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alesa and George, her husband, Veryl, her dear grandsons, David Bowen Hughes Michael Clayton Hughes, and her much loved cousin, Barbara Trusler.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren oldest daughter, Sharon Hughes Jarrett Littleton, Colo., grandson, Jim Jarrett Anson, greatgrandson, Jay Michael Jarrett California, grandson, David Jarrett wife Shelia Littleton, greatgranddaughters, Jordan Erin Jarrett, grandson Jay Philip Jarrett wife Tamara Littleton, greatgrand children, Brendan, Hayley, Taegan Jarrett, granddaughter, Jennifer Jarrett Moskal and greatgranddaughter Alesa Rose. Her oldest son, David Kiker Hughes and wife Jacque Oklahoma City, granddaughter Holly Hughes Cole and husband Michael New York, greatgranddaughters Lauren Katherine Cole, grandson Derek Kevin Hughes Dallas and greatgrandchildren Dakota and Scout Hughes. Her second son, Hal Kiker Hughes and wife Joy Abilene. Virginias youngest child, Susan Hughes Kratt and husband Tom Montana and grandson, Karl Bradford Kratt Montana. She is also survived by her brother, Bill Kiker and wife Bonnie, her nephews, Marian, John, Bill Jr. and his wife Sherry Dallas and grandnephew, William III, as well as her dear cousin and physician, Dr. Carl Trusler and wife Jaynne.

Virginia lived a happy and productive life, immersed in raising her children and helping with the family business. She loved spending time at the family ranch in Silver Valley, near Coleman. She loved being with the boys on location while drilling being a big part of the operation. She had wonderful travels with her mother, Alesa, to Alaska and the Caribbean and with Alesa and daughter Susan, to France, England, Greece, Russia, Germany, Italy, and Rome. She also journey to the Far East with friends. She lived in her own home until she was 94 years old, independent and hardheaded She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. We will miss you every day

There will be a small private family gathering on Tuesday to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please send any remembrances to the David Bowen Hughes Memorial Scholarship in care of Hendricks Home for Children.