Isabelle M. Hughes, 85

FELTON - Isabelle M. Hughes, left this earth on Friday, April 17, 2009, in Milford Hospice Center, where she joined her Savior and family in heaven. She was 85. Mrs. Hughes was born in Felton, to the late George and Olive Melvin. "Aunt Belle" or Belle, as she was known by many, was a faithful member of Calvary Wesleyan Church of Harrington, where she taught ladies bible study every Tuesday morning. She was also a member of World Wide Missions International and a former member of Cedar Grove Wesleyan church. She was a former waitress at the "Farm Restaurant" in Felton and a nurses aide at The Welfare Home in Smyrna, currently known as the Delaware Home for the Chronically Ill, where her father worked in the boiler room. In 1954, Belle married Wilson "Skeeter" Hughes and settled down in Felton to help him on the farm. "Skeeter" often said her mom and dad spoiled her and he was going to finish the job, which he did. Becoming a housewife gave her plenty of time to become not only a family historian but a local historian as well. It is rumored she was quite a marksman with a rifle when it came to groundhogs and snakes that crossed her path. Her passion was sewing and making clothes for herself, suits for her husband, wedding and prom dresses, as well as a prom tuxedo for her nephew. Belle often made homemade ice cream, German chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie when her nieces and nephews came to visit. Belle was witty, with a great sense of humor, and even after losing three sons she was never bitter nor lost her faith. She never said an unkind word about anybody, and was a great inspiration. She was loved by many especially her neighbors Earl and Wilbur who watched after her constantly. Even through her own health issues, she always took the time to listen to others and help when she could. She will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson "Skeeter" Hughes; three sons, George Hewitt Voshell, Everett Zack Voshell and infant Baby Hughes; three brothers, George (Ed), Courtland, and Cornelius Melvin. Isabelle is survived by many nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and all who loved her. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday evening. Burial will be at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. Donations can be sent to Milford Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; and/or Calvary Wesleyan Church, Mission Ministry, 240 Delaware Ave., Harrington, DE 19952. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.