On January 4, 2025, Diane Hutchinson Hughes, 87, passed away in her home in Eagle, ID. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Diane was born on June 7, 1937, in Akron, OH, the oldest child of Madge Falknor Hutchinson and Edward P. Hutchinson. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1959 and received her Masters in speech pathology from Case Western Reserve in 1961. After working for speech clinics in Cleveland and Lexington, KY, Diane met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Hughes, a young math professor at the University of Kentucky.
Married in 1969, Diane and Bob moved to Boise in 1970, where they raised three girls, numerous dogs and cats, and enjoyed camping and hiking trips with their children. After their youngest daughter entered kindergarten, Diane returned to work, first at the Boise Head Start program and then later at the Elk’s Rehabilitation Center, where she specialized in swallowing disorders. She was also active in the Methodist church, the League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women.
After retiring in 2000, Diane traveled with Bob to the UK, Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Canada, and China. An avid gardener, Diane also earned her Master Gardener certification and designed beautiful gardens and landscaping for their home. She was active in PEO, and she enjoyed singing in her church choir, volunteering at the Assistance League of Boise, walking her dogs, playing bridge with friends, and spending time with family.
Diane is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; three daughters and sons-in-law, Holly Hughes and John Arambarri of Boise, Darcy Hughes Heuring and Jon Heuring of Chicago, and Tara Blanton Hughes and Ben Kohn of Bellingham, WA. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Bella Heuring, Eli Arambarri, Teryk Prince-Hughes, and Aris Hudson; her brother Derek Hutchinson of Hartwell, GA; sisters-in-law Tammy Hutchinson of Hartwell, GA, and Liz Hutchinson of Beaver Creek, OH; and her dog Piper. She was preceded in death by her brother David Hutchinson.
The family would like to thank Keystone Hospice for their compassionate and supportive care during the last week of Diane’s life. Diane requested that there not be a memorial service. Instead, friends and family are welcomed to donate to Doctors Without Borders-USA or plant a tree in her memory.
Diane will be remembered for her kindness, her service to others, and her passion for gardening. Her smile and graciousness will live long in our memories.