SMYRNA - Melva R Hughes passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at Pinnacle Health Care, Smyrna. She was born Aug. 8, 1925 in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of the late John and Gertrude Rasch. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1942 where she studied Theology. She moved from Baltimore to Smyrna in 1957. She retired as a pension administrator for the State of Delaware. She was member of St. Polycarp Church and the Smyrna Garden Club. She loved music and the St. Polycarp Choir. She also loved to paint and was an accomplished artist. She was a wonderful homemaker and Mother who always put her children first. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Kathie Everett; and a sister, Helen Flahhavan. She is survived by her children, Terence Hughes, Jr., of Smyrna; John Hughes and his wife, Susan, of Dover; grandchildren, Jason Hill, Josh Hughes (Kristen), Drew Hughes (Katy), Dustin Everett, Jessica Hughes, and Jake Hughes; eight great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Newell Everett, of New Holland, Pa.; and her beloved companion, John Hopkins. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 at St. Polycarp Church, Ransom Lane and South St., Smyrna, with a visitation in the parish hall at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market S., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com. Arrangements are by Matthews–Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.