Melba VanSickle Hughes
December 29, 1921 ~ November 27, 2008
Hughes, Melba VanSickle, 86, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, on November 27, 2008. She was born December 29, 1921, in rural Cowley County, KS, and was the only child of Russell and Hazel VanSickle. Melba graduated from Wichita North High School in 1940 and fondly remembered her high school days on the Arkansas River. In 1944, she earned a degree from Wichita State University where she was active in student organizations and made many lifelong friends. Melba married Oliver H. Hughes in 1948; they had three children, Marilyn, Steve and Mindy. While living in Wichita, Melba was active in the Junior League and various other philanthropic organizations. After their Wichita home was destroyed by a tornado in 1965, the family relocated to Emporia, KS, where Melba was active in civic work and helped found a community arts gallery. Before retiring to Lake Pomona, Melba and Oliver spent a few years in Topeka, KS. The couple returned to Wichita in 1987, where Oliver passed away the following year. Thereafter, Melba spent many satisfying years managing family business interests, and enjoying travel, her many friends, her children and ten grandchildren. Late in life, she rekindled a college romance with Vincent F. Hiebsch of Wichita; they were married from 2001 until his death in 2007. Melba was also preceded in death by her grandson, Peter Hughes Page. Melba is survived by Marilyn and Perk Hoecker of Columbia, MO, and their daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Ben Anderson, and sons, Henry and Wesley; Steve and Maryann Hughes of Overland Park, KS, and their children, Margi, Oliver, Paul, and Stephanie; and Mindy and Tom Page of Benton, KS, and their children, Rhys and Emily. A celebration of Melbas life will be held at the University Congregational Church, 9202 E. 29th Street, at 2:30 P.M. Friday, December 5, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with The Lords Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67214, and The Salvation Army, 350 N. Market, Wichita, KS, 67202.
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To Hughes Family, We are expressing our condolences for the loss of Melba. She was a great lady and I always enjoyed talking to her about various things that came up around the Pomona lake house that I could handle and do for her over the past few years. Sincerely, Don & Carolyn Hamman
To Melba’s family, Sorry for the loss of your mother, as she will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pam Graham & Family (Vassar, KS)
Marilyn, Steve, and Mindy– I was so surprised to read about your mother’s death. I have such fond memories of your family and I loved babysitting for all of you. Your mother was so sweet and we visited when mother died in July. I will hope to see you at your mother’s service on Friday.
Melba was a classmate of mine at North High graduating in 1940. We served together on the 50th class reunion. What a wonderful person! I also knew Oliver Hughes and Vincent. I have fond memories of Melba and glad to have known her. She was quite a girl.