Wanda Dietz Smith Hughes

December 3, 1929 - May 31, 2026

Wanda Hughes transitioned to eternal peace at The Gables in Hopedale, Ohio, on Sunday

afternoon, May 31, 2026, in the loving presence of her family. Surrounded by those she loved,

and listening to her favorite hymns, her passing was very peaceful.

Family

Wanda was the beloved matriarch of a large and loving family. She had ten children:

James (Linda) Hughes of Richmond, Ohio

Children: Jayla, Marik, Kellen, Kelly, Tristan

Michael Hughes of Galloway, Ohio

Child: Katie Bridget

Steven Hughes of Homestead, Florida (d/o/d 7/21/2001)

Children: Sue, James, Sabrina

Susan (Kenny) Weyrauch of Amsterdam, Ohio

Children: Christopher, Alana, Jeff, Kasey, Lindsay

Mary (John) Palumbo of Moorestown, New Jersey

Children: Ian, Ali

Daniel (Tina) Hughes of Houston, PA

Nancy (Randy) Schroyer of Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Children: Heather, Justin, Lindsay, Alecia, Megan

Rebecca (Donny) Ganton of New Carlisle, Ohio

Children: Adam, Matthew, Nathan, DJ, Denise

Joseph (Rita Kay) Hughes of West Jefferson, Ohio

Children: Erica, Tyler, Chelsey

Wanda (Charles) Bright of Toronto, Ohio

Child: Darren

Wanda was the proud grandmother of 30 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-

great grandchildren.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis Church, 75+ years,

and an active member of the Catholic Women's Club, where she made

lifelong friendships and dedicated herself to her community. Wanda

was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 86, Ladies Auxiliary, Toronto, Ohio.

She is also survived by her sister, Connie Dawson, of Sandusky, Ohio;

and by her sisters-in-law and lifelong best friends, Marie (Keenan)

Bernabei of Toronto, Ohio, and Rebecca (Hughes) Chadwick (d/o/d 9/2013), whose friendships

began in high school and remained a cherished bond throughout their lives.

Wanda was also a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in

her heart, especially Markie!

Preceded in Death

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James "Moe" Hughes, who passed

away May of 1987; her son, Steven Hughes; her daughters-in-law, Mary K (James) Hughes and

Denise (Michael) Hughes; her granddaughter, Katie (Michael & Denise Hughes' daughter), her

parents, Thomas and Florence Dietz Smith;

her sister, Anna Duncan and Bob, her brother-in-law; her brother, Tommy Smith; and her

brother-in-law, Lawrence (Connie) Dawson.

Wanda's life was defined by her devotion to family, her enduring friendships, and the love she

shared with generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great

grandchildren. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visitation and Funeral Mass

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Clarke

Funeral Home in Toronto, Ohio.

Additional visitation will take place in the rear of St. Francis Church in Toronto, Ohio, on Friday,

June 5, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Then the Funeral Liturgy with Mass will then start at 11:00

a.m. Fr. Thomas Vennitti will celebrate Mass.

Following the Toronto cemetery, (upper level), a luncheon will follow in the basement of St. Francis Catholic Church.