Almina J. (Lussenhop) Hughes

Almina J. (Lussenhop) Hughes, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 10, 2020 at her home near Silver Lake, KS. She fought a valiant battle with Alzheimer's.

She was born on June 30, 1931, just outside of Morton, MN, to Albert Charles Lussenhop and Edna Margaret Payne. In 1936, the great depression forced them to move to Kewanee, IL to be near family, where she and her five sisters lived and grew up. She attended the Kewanee Public Schools until the end of her sophomore year, when she dropped out in May of 1947. In 1949, after giving her heart and life to Jesus, she knew she had to return to high school and get her diploma in order to effectively serve her Lord and Savior. She graduated from Wyoming High School in Wyoming, IL in May of 1951. That fall, she left to be a student at Olive Branch Mission Training School, in the "skid row" district of Chicago, IL. In 1954, she graduated from Olive Branch, and returned to Kewanee to work in Walworth Factory. She saved up enough money so she could attend God's Bible School and College (GBS) in Cincinnati, OH. She entered the Christian Workers Course and graduated in 1958 as Valedictorian of her class. She then entered the GBS College, graduating with her Bachelor's Degree in 1960.

During her time at GBS, she met Erskine Hughes, and they married on June 16, 1957 in Kewanee, IL. After they both graduated from GBS with their Bachelor's Degrees in 1960, they moved to Kirksville, MO to work at the Kirksville Bible School (grades 6 to 12). In 1965, they moved to Overland Park, KS where Erskine taught school at Kansas City College and Bible School (KCCBS), while Almina did what she could in the library. Their son Robert was born in October of 1965 limiting the time Almina had available to help at the school. While working and teaching at KCCBS, they both earned their Master's Degree in Library Science – from Emporia State Teachers College (Emporia, KS). In 1973, Erskine took a job at the Pratt Community College, located in Pratt, KS. In 1974, they moved to Preston, KS until 1997, when she and Erskine moved to their final home near Silver Lake, KS. While living in Preston, Almina taught classes, along with being the full-time librarian at Fairfield High School in Langdon, KS. She was there until her retirement in 1993.

Almina is survived by her son, Robert (Debra) Hughes of Silver Lake, KS; her grandchildren, Laura Beth (Alfredo) and David Alan (McKenna); two great granddaughters, Jazmin and Liliana; her sister, Donna Motley of Junction City, KS and many nieces, nephews and Christian friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Erskine Hughes (2008); her parents; four sisters, Illene Bender, Rose Jacobson, Darlene Hampton and Mary St. John.

A viewing will take place from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Silver Lake Cemetery, Silver Lake, KS. Interment will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS, 66606 or to Alzheimer's Association – Topeka, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, KS, 66614.

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