Dorothy R. Hughes, 84, of Hyde Park, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

Born on November 24, 1941, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Gordon H. and Bertha E. (Turner) Way. A graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Dottie dedicated her life to faith, family, service, and music, the cornerstones that shaped her character and enriched the lives of all who knew her.

A longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, Dottie faithfully served her church community in many ways. She managed the church's memorial donation program and oversaw the former Mark-It Place thrift store alongside her dear friend, Janet Talleur. She was also a devoted member of the church choir and shared her love of music more broadly as a longtime singer with the Camerata Chorale, performing with the group for nearly twenty years.

Dottie further exemplified a life of service as an officer in The Salvation Army, serving alongside her husband, Howard Hughes, Jr. Together, they embraced a life devoted to compassion, outreach, and helping others in their community.

On June 29, 1963, in Poughkeepsie, she married Howard H. Hughes Jr., who predeceased her in 2001.

As a homemaker, Dottie devoted herself to raising her family with unwavering love and care. Beyond caring for her children and grandchildren, she generously opened her heart and home to extended family members and friends, always offering comfort, support, and encouragement to those in need.

Dottie is survived by her children, Cheryl Jaeb and her husband, Chuck, of Hyde Park; Howard H. Hughes III and his wife, Lori, of Kingston; and Kristie LeRoy and her husband, Steve, of Hyde Park. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Lauren Jaeb, Kayla Russell (Maddy), Nicole LeRoy, and Christopher Hughes; her beloved great-granddaughter, Eloise Mae; her treasured sister-in-law, Reta Hughes; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Dottie was reunited with her beloved brothers, George, John, and William; her sisters, Anna Mae, Bertha, and Emma; and her twin siblings, Gordon and Ethel, who passed away in infancy. She was also predeceased by many treasured nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Dottie's family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and support provided throughout her journey. We are especially grateful to Donna Engle for guiding our family through this process with kindness, expertise, and friendship, and for being a loyal and cherished friend to our mother. We also extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated hospice team, including April, Elisa, Jess, Kim, Lillian, and Robbie, whose unwavering care, guidance, and support brought comfort, dignity, and peace to our mom and her loved ones during this time.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, 1 Church Street, Hyde Park. Pastor Kent Jackson will officiate.

Burial will follow in the family plot at Union Cemetery in Hyde Park. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the Hughes family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington St., Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (www.hvhospice.org); The United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, 1 Church St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 (www.umchp.com); or Boston Children's Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 (www.childrenshospital.org).

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Dottie's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.