Barbara Joan Hughey

Barbara Joan Hughey passed from this life on November 20, 2024, at the age of 93 years, 2 months and 20 days. Barbara was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Leon and Delcia (Iler) Parham. Her family also included her older and cherished sister, Elizabeth.

Barbara married the love of her life, Richard M. Hughey, in 1957 shortly after Richard’s graduation from the University of Michigan School of Law. They exchanged vows at Western Michigan University’s Kanley Memorial Chapel. They affectionately referred to each other as Louie and Ruby and were married for 55 years until Richard’s passing in 2012. Their first romantic encounter was Richard requesting Barbara’s presence for an outing. This consisted of Richard driving alongside Barbara as she walked home from her college job as an operator for the telephone company. He recited Shakespeare to her in his charming fashion and she was smitten. Once married, they would continue their love for the works of Shakespeare by vacationing every summer at The Shakespeare Festival and Avon Theatre in Stratford, Ontario, eventually with their children and often both their mothers in tow.

Barbara earned both her undergraduate and masters degrees from Western Michigan University. She was a devoted educator in communications, public speaking and the theater arts at Western Michigan University and in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. Barbara was the captain of the cheerleading squad in high school and at WMU during her student days. She continued to be an equally true fan of both WMU and Michigan sports. Go Blue! Go Broncos!

Barbara was a gifted and accomplished actor, often seen on the Kalamazoo Civic Stage performing lead roles in dramatic productions. Barbara also organized a touring group of performers under the umbrella of the Kalamazoo Civic called “The Spotlighters” best remembered for their community outreach performances in schools, hospitals and care facilities for the elderly. She created and directed many productions for the Kalamazoo Public Schools. Her time as an educator inspired many students of all ages, making a long-lasting, positive impact on their lives. Barbara is remembered fondly by many of those students, many who have always remained in touch with her throughout the years.

Barbara served on many executive boards for the theater and dance arts in the Kalamazoo Community. Her service to the community is so vast it cannot be measured. Of all the things that were important to her it was the theater arts where her passion most thrived. She was always supportive of her children’s creative endeavors both in music and dance; those elements have remained a constant throughout their adult lives.

Barbara was preceded in death by both her parents, Leon and Delcia, her sister Elizabeth Scott, beloved Auntie B (Bernice) and Uncle Everett and their son Dick Kirby. Also preceding her in death was the love of her life and husband, Richard. Countless lifelong friends, students and family members also left this life before Barbara.

Surviving members of Barbara’s family include her son, Richard (Patricia) Hughey and their two children. Barbara’s daughter, Elizabeth (Andrew) White. Many nieces and nephews. To remember Barbara, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the ASPCA to honor her love for all animals but especially the multitude of cats she was dedicated to rescuing.

Barbara was creative, a poet, an actor and a devoted professor of the theater arts. She adored her cats and the trees of her woods that she watched grow into towering giants. She loved music, dancing, beautiful things and her family. She lived a life of value, honor, dignity and great integrity. Of all things, these are the gifts we are most grateful for in receiving from her. Sweet dreams to you BJ. “We will meet again one day............................................................................................. when we are both cats.”

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.