Esther K. (Kellogg) Hughes

Mrs. Esther K. (Kellogg) Hughes, age 80, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Burns, NY on March 17, 1929, Esther was the daughter of the late Charles B. and Carrie J. Kellogg. Esther attended the Rochester School for the Deaf. On October 20, 1951 she married William Trevor Hughes who passed away on May 6, 2005. Throughout their 54-year union as lifelong soul mates, Trevor and Esther enjoyed a devoted relationship that was blessed with the steadfast and affectionate companionship they shared, as well as their dedication to family life. Esther worked as a house mother at the Rochester School for the Deaf, and she held various other positions for several years in the Utica area, including Abelove Linen Supply. Her dedication and work ethic were paramount to her strength of character. Esther had an unwavering support for her family, and her loved ones were the foremost priority of her life and her heart, as well as the source of her deepest pride and devotion. An independent woman, she was proud of her life accomplishments, the greatest of which was her family. She was loyal to her values and could rise to any occasion. Among her other attributes, she was a talented baker, and her chocolate chip cookies were legendary. She was a member of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, the Utica Civic Association of the Deaf, and the Alumni Association of the Rochester School for the Deaf. A devoted parishioner of the Ephphatha Parish of the Deaf of Rome, she treasured her church sponsored trips to Egypt, Jerusalem, and San Francisco. Esther is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Rod Castelletti of Whitesboro; her sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Michelle Hughes of Clinton, Jerry and Theresa Hughes of Utica, and Gene Hughes of Utica and his fiancée Lisa Yule; and her grandchildren, Amber Hughes, and Brett Hughes of FL, Evan Hughes of Utica, Marc Castelletti of Whitesboro, James Castelletti of Frankfort, and Kyle Ennis. Always close to her heart was the memory of her grandson, Trevor R. Hughes, who passed away on December 7, 1990. Survivors also include her sister, Clessa Allen of GA; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Mary Alice and David Hughes, and Owen Hughes, all of Holland Patent. She also leaves many life long friends. She was predeceased by her sisters, Ortha VanSkiver, Phyllis Spencer; her brothers, LaVern Kellogg, Richard Kellogg, and Nelson Kellogg; and her sister-in-law, Catherine Snell. The family extends special thanks to the staff of the Clark West Wing at the St. Luke’s Home and the support rendered by the personnel at the Resource Center for Independent Living Adult Day Service. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Esther’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday at 12:00 at Grace Episcopal Church. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Esther’s honor to the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL), or the Alzheimer’s Association; envelopes will be available at the service. A graveside service will follow with inurnment at Holland Patent Cemetery.

Esther K. (Kellogg) Hughes

March 17, 1929 - July 4, 2009