Helen "Grandma Kay" Hughes, passed peacefully on July 15, 2017. She was born September 9, 1942 in Plymouth, Michigan to Andrew and Elma (Sperry) Banta.

Kay was married on February 18, 1961 to her soulmate and #1 fan, Howard "Art" Hughes. They were married 56 years and enjoyed 23 winters in her favorite place, North Naples Florida. She enjoyed spending time outdoors saltwater fishing with Art, weekly lunches with her Lady Friends, and weekly family dinners. Hospitality was her specialty and she always put her family first. Kay loved her grandchildren with more gusto than anyone.

She is resting peacefully with her parents and father-in-law, Carl Hughes. Kay lives on through everyone she loved starting with her husband, Art, daughters Jeannie (Tim) Thaxton and Beth (Marc) Moeggenberg, grandchildren Jillian and Ross Thaxton, Jordan, Brittany and Brianna Moeggenberg, great-grandchild Cameron (Thaxton) Marcero, sister Karen (Dave) Bartski, and her mother-in-law and dear friend Meriam Hughes. Her nephew Bruce Bartski held a very special place in her heart.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the Cowell Family Cancer Center, c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 or at www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundations .