Anna Gae Mitchell Hughes, 100, of Rockingham, Virginia, passed away Oct. 19, 2025, at Bellaire at Stone Port in Harrisonburg. Virginia.
Born Oct. 29, 1924, in Sugar Grove, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Gertrude (Puffenbarger) Mitchell.
Mrs. Hughes was raised in Sugar Grove on the family farm.
She graduated salutatorian from Franklin High School. Upon graduation, she relocated to Arlington, Virginia, to join her sister in support of the war effort in 1942, working for Selective Service. Through a friend at work, she went on a blind date which introduced her to her future husband, John. They married Feb. 8, 1947.
The growing family started out in Alexandria, Virginia. In June 1957, everyone moved to Woodbridge, Virginia, where they raised their growing family.
Upon the death of her husband, she was employed as an administrative assistant/secretary with Prince William County Public Schools until retirement.
In 1988, she and her daughter, Cynthia, moved to Gainesville, Virginia to live the ”country” life. Finally, after her daughter’s retirement, they made their final move to Harrisonburg, Virginia.
She liked nothing better than getting together with all her siblings as often as possible. There were family reunions, visits back to the home place, birthday parties and trips to the beach. These get-togethers entailed much story telling of days gone by, continuous card games and lots of good food. The six sisters could all be talking at once and hearing every word that was said, often finishing each other’s sentences. There was never a dull moment. Much love was shared.
Her husband, John Megeath Hughes, Sr., preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 1970.
Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia A. Hughes of Rockingham, Virginia; two sons, John M. Hughes of Lake Anna, Virginia, and Jeffrey A. Hughes and wife, Sharon of Manassas, Virginia; a sister, Peggy Wade; a brother, Tom Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Gae Hughes on April 27, 2010; an infant son (1948), and an infant daughter (1963). Additionally, she lost her siblings and their spouses, Helon Pittsenbarger (husband Everette), Margene Moore (husband Bill), Billie Bowling (husband Jim), Jackie Trisler (husband Bill), Buddy Mitchell (wife Ellen); and a brother-in-law, Allen Wade.
Special thanks are extended to the staff at Bellaire at Stone Port’s Memory Care where she was a resident since 2018. Their caring attitude and the attention they showed to her enhanced her quality of life. Special thanks goes to Kim, Alisha and Teyha for their wonderful help, especially during her last days.
Additional thanks is given to the staff of Gentiva Hospice. Thank you Niven, Pastor Larry and the whole Gentiva staff who helped keep her comfortable. You helped the family immensely.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at St. Jacob’s Spaders Lutheran Church at 3555 Spaders Church Road in Mt. Crawford, Virginia, with Pastor Don Hawks officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the St. Jacob’s Building Fund (mailed to the address above, Attention: Tammy Craun) or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.
