Ruth E Hughey

Ruth Elliott Avery Hughey passed away peacefully at her Fort Walton Beach, Florida home surrounded by her two loving daughters on Friday, November 19, 2021. She was born on January 21, 1928, in Brent, Alabama to Thomas Wilbur and Malladean Elliott Avery. After graduating from Bibb High School, she began working in the local mercantile store. Ruth met her future husband, James Henry Hughey, when he was visiting Brent with an Air Force Buddy. When they met, it was love at first sight. They were married on April 2, 1955 and were devoted to each other for 55 wonderful years.  They moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida in 1955 and fell in love with their forever home, remaining in the area for 66 years.

The family has special memories of traveling together including a trip to Disneyworld to celebrate the Christmas holidays and a mother daughter trip to Savannah, Georgia. When James retired, he and Ruth enjoyed traveling and visiting family together. Ruth touched many young lives in her community as a co-owner of Bayview Preschool and her active involvement with the Girl Scouts as a leader and volunteer. She worked as a Housekeeping Supervisor at Abbott Realty with Island Echoes and Emerald Towers for ten years. Ruth had a bright spirit and enjoyed practical jokes. An avid Alabama football fan, she never missed an opportunity to cheer her team to victory. Ruth lived life as a faithful Methodist. She will be forever remembered for her kind heart, warm smile, welcoming manner, and devotion to her family.

Ruth is survived by her two daughters: Petra C. Hughey and Lisa G. Hughey, brother Shelby Thomas Avery, nieces, and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Hughey, her parents, Thomas Wilbur and Malladean Elliot, and brother Wilbur Dorman Avery.

There will be a visitation Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Chaplain Larry Carter will be officiating the Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment following the Celebration of Life at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Emerald Coast Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

To share memories, express condolences and sign the guestbook please visit www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.

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