Mae Audell (Murray) Hughes

February 15, 1931 - September 7, 2021

Mae Audell Murray Hughes was born February 15, 1931 in Thomas, Oklahoma the daughter of Tony Orton and Hazel Audrey (Haddon) Murray. She completed this life on September 7, 2021 in Guthrie, OK at the age of 90.

Audell was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Tommy Murray, and her beloved husband, Clayton, of 46 years.

Audell is survived by her son, Ned Hughes and his wife, Norma of Edmond, OK; her daughter, the Rev. Mary Gaudreau Hughes of Edmond, OK; her grandchildren, Daniel Gaudreau, Stephen Gaudreau, Lauren (Gaudreau) Norcom, Rebecca (Taylor) Macemon and her husband Michael, and Robert Taylor; and her great-grandchildren, Saige Norcom, Nora Macemon, and Martin Macemon.

Audell grew up in a progressive farming community in Custer County where church, school, and community lived by the motto, "To make the best better." Her school was also home to the Outstanding 4-H Club of the county. As the very first female named to the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame, her portrait hung in the Oklahoma State Capitol building for many years. Leadership opportunities brought her many awards but she always followed the advice learned through her western Oklahoma roots to, "wear your honors lightly."

Mrs. Hughes graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Home Economics. It was there that she met the Rev. Clayton Othelle Hughes. They were married on August 10, 1954 in Independence, Oklahoma. She was a beloved pastor's wife as she and her husband served 45 years in ministry in churches across the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. Together they served in Olustee, Granite, Cheyenne, McAlester (Wesley), Oklahoma City (South Lee), Altus (First), Guymon, Clinton, Weatherford, Muskogee District (District Superintendent) and Stillwater District (District Superintendent).

As a couple they would often share their musical gifts together, singing duets in church. She was active in their church choirs and could often be found behind the piano and organ keyboards. In retirement she was beloved at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for playing piano in the Great Hall between Sunday morning services.

She served in leadership in the United Methodist Women at local, state, and national levels. She was also an active member of PEO, chapter EK, at the local, state, and national levels. PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) is dedicated to its historic role in education young women.

The three family generations following her were so very blessed that she connected them to a deep and strong family heritage, teaching her family to focus on a life of love, faithfulness, service, and excellence. By her joyful example, she sent forward her appreciation of music, academics, leadership, all manner of crafts, projects, and amazing shared meals that make a house a home. In recent years she acquired the beloved great-grandmother name of "Baba." Reading books with the fourth generation was one of her great joys.

As she reflected upon her life she once wrote, "I have received great blessings from the Christian people with whom I have been associated. Learning more about Jesus Christ and how to apply his teachings in my own life continues to be an inspiration for my thoughts and actions." Her loving spirit was clear to all she came into contact with, teaching others how to spread love in this world. In her final moments, she demonstrated the peace that comes from trusting in our Creator.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Committal will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2021 with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. in Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. A live streaming option to view the 2:00 service will be available starting at 1:45 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, the family requests face masks be worn to protect the medically vulnerable.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Women of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W. Hefner RD, Oklahoma City, OK 73120