Nancy Rucker Hughes
Nancy Rucker Hughes, age 81 of Jeffersonton, Virginia died suddenly on Christmas Day while visiting her daughter, Lisa Vesper and granddaughter, Laura Lee Thomas in New Mexico. She was born on November 29, 1935 in Washington, DC and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend Thomas J. Hughes. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Vesper of Ranchos de Taos, NM, her step children, Thomas Hughes and his wife Phyllis of Bodega Bay, CA; Alex Hughes of Little River, SC; Teresa Hughes Hosch and her husband Carl of Falling Waters, West Virginia; Larry Olsen of Knoxville, MD; Patricia Hughes Craddock and her husband Michael of Jacksonville, FL; Mark Hughes and his wife Bonnie of Fairfax Station, VA; Michael Hughes of Fairfax, VA; her brother Denman Rucker of Sterling, VA; her sister Laura Lee Rucker Manfra and her husband John of Rumson, NJ; 17 grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews; and 6 great grandchildren. After graduation from George Washington University in Washington, DC Nancy began her career as a civilian working for the Department of the Navy (NAVCOSSACT) where she remained for eight years. She was one of very few women who made their mark in the technical field at that time. During those years she worked in Hawaii where she made many acquaintances that became lifelong friends. She began working for IBM in their Federal Systems Division, where she continued trailblazing in her work with defense contractors in the DC metro area as well as in Huntsville, AL. After her retirement from IBM she worked as consultant until she married VADM Thomas J. Hughes in 1995. They spent five wonderful years in Monterey, CA where they made many great friends. They returned to Nancy's beloved log home in Jeffersonton where she rescued as many animals as possible. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on January 7th at Little Fork Church, 16461 Oak Shade Dr. Rixeyville, VA. Reception to follow at Fauquier Springs Country Club, 9236 Tournament Dr. Warrenton, VA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: LeBaron Rescue and Sanctuary, C/O PB Mares, 29 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 or 1776 Little Fork Preservation Foundation, PO Box 367, Rixeyville, VA 22737. Nancy was on the board of both of these organizations.