Ruth Lee Hughes, 97, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Hemphill. Born on April 11, 1928, in Camden, to William H. Watson and Jesse Murphy Watson, Ruth was the cherished youngest child in a family of five, lovingly nicknamed 'Baby Ruth' by her four older brothers.

Graduating from Hermann Hospital School of Nursing in 1950, Ruth dedicated her life to the nursing profession. She married Buford Hughes in 1950 and settled in Sabine County, where they raised their four children. She worked for many of the doctors here in Sabine County. Ruth worked as a school nurse in Bronson for several years until the school consolidated with Pineland. She then worked at the clinic in Pineland for several years. In the early 60’s she began working as the school nurse at Hemphill ISD and remained there until she retired in 1985. She then worked part time at Sabine County Hospital, retiring fully after decades of heartfelt service.

Ruth was a pillar of compassion, known for her warm, welcoming nature and deep commitment to her community. She served tirelessly at the First Methodist Church in Hemphill, where she was an active member until her later years. Ruth also discovered a passion for painting after her retirement, developing a talent that brought joy to her and those around her.

According to the nurses at Legacies, where she lived her later years of her life, she was always a nurse. She kept all of them all in line and directed them on how to take care of many nursing tasks from “helping” to chart to telling them how to change dressings! She was loved by everyone that met her and she never met a stranger. She deeply loved her job as school nurse and many a person has had a tooth pulled by Nurse Ruth and received a nickel or quarter for getting that tooth pulled.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Brenda Corley (Chuck) and Diann Brackin (Mike), all of Hemphill; grandchildren Terance Corley and wife, Nicole, , Kristy Titzman and husband, Ryan, Melanie Hughes and Brian Corley and wife, Amanda; along with great-grandchildren, Taylor LeBlanc and husband, Joel, Alyssa Corley, Rylie Corley, Brenna Corley, Levi Titzman, Jackson Hughes-Morris, Luke Titzman, Jamison Hughes-Morris, Maeley Corley and Carson Corley; and greatgreat- grandchildren, Cooper Hyden, Wyatt LeBlanc and Weston LeBlanc who cherished her deeply.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buford; her son, Leonard; and daughter, Jane.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the First Methodist Church, 181 Milam in Hemphill, with Pastor Alberto Williams and Bro. Floyd Wright officiating.

Burial will follow services at 3:00 p.m. in Seamans Cemetery in Chester, Texas with Terance Corley, Brian Corley, Ryan Titzman, Levi Titzman, Luke Titzman and Jackson Hughes-Morris serving as pallbearers.

In memory of Ruth, the family request donation be made to First Methodist Church in Hemphill.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome. com.