Obituary for Harriett Hughes-Mark (LeSuer)
Harriett Hughes Mark
Nov. 22, 1921-Oct. 16, 2020
Harriett was born on Nov. 22, 1921, the first of five children, to Nelson M. LeSuer Sr. and Bess
Caldwell LeSuer in Lawrence, KS. She succumbed to COVID on Oct. 16, 2020.
In her youth, Harriett’s farming family suffered the hardships of the depression and remained
strong. Her family valued education even when other families kept their children home to help
support the family. She and her siblings began their education in a one room school. Later, she
graduated from McLouth High School, attended business school, and much later, at age 72 she
earned her associate’s degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College.
After high school graduation, Harriett met and married Frank Hughes. They lived on a farm in
McLouth until they moved to Tonganoxie, KS in 1947. Together they raised three children. Her
immediate and extended family were a high priority in her life. She was a wonderful mother and
homemaker, all while working in a variety of secretarial and admin positions. She spent 25
years as the Tonganoxie City Clerk.
Harriett and Frank joined the Tonganoxie United Methodist Church in 1947 and she was a
member until her death. As a member she supported the church with her time, prayers and
talents: attending services, singing in the choir, serving in admin and committee positions,
managing events, especially as UMW president and much more. She continued to visit the sick
and shut-ins until she was in her 90’s.
Harriett loved to gather family and friends for events, play bridge, travel, express herself
through music and art. Over the years, her life was about caring for others, appreciating God’s
creations, and making a difference. The world is a better place because she was in it.
Harriett was preceded in death by: Her parents, Her siblings Nelson LeSuer Jr., Barbara
(Tom) McBride, James LeSuer, Her first husband, Frank Hughes, and second husband, Lee
Mark
She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Bill) Hogan Vancouver, WA. Her children (all of
Tonganoxie) Linda (Louis) Seufert, Steven (Vickie) Hughes, Carl (Anne) Hughes, 9
grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Due to COVID, the details of her memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Be safe. Wear a mask. Protect others.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Harriett’s name to one of the loves in her life:
Tonganoxie United Methodist Church, Any nature conservation group, Audubon Society,
Kansas Sierra Club, Alzheimer’s Association.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at: aldenharrington.com
Nov. 22, 1921-Oct. 16, 2020
Harriett was born on Nov. 22, 1921, the first of five children, to Nelson M. LeSuer Sr. and Bess
Caldwell LeSuer in Lawrence, KS. She succumbed to COVID on Oct. 16, 2020.
In her youth, Harriett’s farming family suffered the hardships of the depression and remained
strong. Her family valued education even when other families kept their children home to help
support the family. She and her siblings began their education in a one room school. Later, she
graduated from McLouth High School, attended business school, and much later, at age 72 she
earned her associate’s degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College.
After high school graduation, Harriett met and married Frank Hughes. They lived on a farm in
McLouth until they moved to Tonganoxie, KS in 1947. Together they raised three children. Her
immediate and extended family were a high priority in her life. She was a wonderful mother and
homemaker, all while working in a variety of secretarial and admin positions. She spent 25
years as the Tonganoxie City Clerk.
Harriett and Frank joined the Tonganoxie United Methodist Church in 1947 and she was a
member until her death. As a member she supported the church with her time, prayers and
talents: attending services, singing in the choir, serving in admin and committee positions,
managing events, especially as UMW president and much more. She continued to visit the sick
and shut-ins until she was in her 90’s.
Harriett loved to gather family and friends for events, play bridge, travel, express herself
through music and art. Over the years, her life was about caring for others, appreciating God’s
creations, and making a difference. The world is a better place because she was in it.
Harriett was preceded in death by: Her parents, Her siblings Nelson LeSuer Jr., Barbara
(Tom) McBride, James LeSuer, Her first husband, Frank Hughes, and second husband, Lee
Mark
She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Bill) Hogan Vancouver, WA. Her children (all of
Tonganoxie) Linda (Louis) Seufert, Steven (Vickie) Hughes, Carl (Anne) Hughes, 9
grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Due to COVID, the details of her memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Be safe. Wear a mask. Protect others.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Harriett’s name to one of the loves in her life:
Tonganoxie United Methodist Church, Any nature conservation group, Audubon Society,
Kansas Sierra Club, Alzheimer’s Association.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at: aldenharrington.com