Ola "Buddy" Hughes

Ola (Buddy) Naoma Hughes, age 95, lifelong resident of Antwerp, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home on March 11, 2023, with her family by her side.  Buddy was born on 2-22-1928 to Julius and Ada Horn and lived on or near her beloved family farm all of her life.  She graduated from Antwerp High School in 1946 and was the last living member of the class. She also graduated from Mrs. Lors Beauty School in Fort Wayne and was a beautician at her sister’s (Mike’s) Beauty Shop in Antwerp. 

On May 28, 1950, Buddy married her high school sweetheart, Gene Hughes.  They celebrated 62 years of marriage together and raised seven children.  They were co-owners of the Oasis Bar & Grill from 1967-1988 where she was well known for her occasional luncheon special, delicious homemade potato soup with rivels.

For years, Buddy was on Mike’s Beauty Shop bowling team.  She and Gene enjoyed their weekly bowling leagues at Pin-O-Rama Bowling Alley in Antwerp.  Buddy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Divine Mercy), which was a central part of her family’s life.

Buddy enjoyed tending to her “posie’ beds, bird watching from her kitchen window, and feeding the neighborhood cats/animals outside her back door. She was a sweet, soft-spoken, kindhearted soul, who always put others before herself.  Her greatest joy in life were her children and grandchildren.  She was always there for anyone who was in need and was often thought of as the neighborhood mom.

Buddy was preceded in death by her husband Gene who passed away on July 16, 2012, and sisters Lucille Seslar and Elizabeth (Mike) Horn.

She is survived by her seven children, who made up the entirety of her world: Louise (Austin White) Goll, Antwerp; Lynn (John) Garlough, Franklin, OH; Greg ‘Cork’ (Nancy) Hughes, Gary Hughes, Vince Hughes, Kent ‘Joe’ (Beth) Hughes, all of Antwerp; and Cindy (Mike) Kauser, Paulding. Fifteen grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way, 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing is Wednesday, 4 – 6:30 PM, with the rosary recited at 6:30 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp, Ohio.

Her funeral mass is Thursday, 10 am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 203 W Townline Street, Payne, Ohio. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

She will be laid to rest in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.

Memorials are to Paulding Nurses Auxiliary, 250 Dooley Drive, Paulding, Ohio 45879.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

FLOWERS AND OTHER TRIBUTES MAY BE DELIVERED TUESDAY, 9 AM TO 5 PM OR WEDNESDAY, 9 AM TO 1 PM TO THE FLOWER DELIVERY ENTRANCE AT THE ANTWERP FUNERAL HOME.