Nelda Marie Hughes, 94 of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 15, 2023.  

Nelda was born on December 12, 1928, to Marie Bender Huber and Edward Huber in Richmond. Although she spent the last three years with her daughter, Diana, in Georgia, her home and her heart were in Liberty, where she grew up, married, and raised her family. She married James “Red” Hughes on October 8, 1952, with whom she spent 50 years of marriage, until his passing in 2003. 

Before retiring at age 69, Nelda worked for 22 years in the Union County High School cafeteria, where she so enjoyed being part of the school community. She was a faithful attendee of all the high school sporting events, but she especially loved volleyball and boys basketball.  Some of her favorite memories were of attending those games with her lifelong friends.  Being a true Hoosier, she was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball, a team she followed until her passing.  Nelda was also a talented artist, with many of her paintings displayed in her home.  She would fondly remember taking art classes with friends.  She was also a member of Liberty Church of Christ. But her family was her everything, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Nelda is survived by her two daughters, Diana Schneidewind (Rick) of Dahlonega and Rebecca Lord of Liberty.  She has four grandchildren, Lauren Schneidewind (Daniel Rice) of Roatan, Honduras, Matthew Schneidewind of Foxboro, Mass., Andrew Lord (Annie) of Fort Collins, Col., and Jeremy Lord (Meghan) of Highlands Ranch, Col.  She was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Ella and Liam Rice, Caroline and Drew Lord, Raelynn Lord, and Ava Zuckerman.  She also leaves behind Carla Schneidewind, whom she considered family, and whose wit and humor always brought a smile to her face.   Nelda was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Huber, in addition to her parents, aunts and uncles, and husband.

A graveside service was held for the family on November 21, 2023, at the College Corner Cemetery.  The arrangements provided, and the kindness shown, by the staff of Showalter-Blackwell- Long Funeral Home were comforting to the family.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gene and Kathy Sanford, Nelda's longtime neighbors, with whom she enjoyed spending many hours, and watching their grandchildren grow.  We are grateful for your care and concern over the years. Also, thank you to Judy Hester and Blair Grote, whose caregiving provided support during Nelda's final year.  For more information, or to send condolences and memories to the family, please visit, www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.

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