Karen Hughes Obituary

Karen (Shuptrine) Hughes

Karen (Shuptrine) Hughes passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, from renal disease in Columbus Ohio, at the age of 71. Born in Ann Arbor, MI, on April 26, 1952, to Marilyn and Calvert Shuptrine, Karen grew up in Toledo, OH, graduated from Start High School in 1970, and briefly attended Bowling Green State University. As an adult, Karen lived several years in Captiva, FL; Washington D.C.; Toledo, OH; and finally, in Columbus, OH. She was a professional waiter for many years, serving people in upscale and established restaurants like Sam and Harry's and BullFeathers in D.C, and Timbers Restaurant on Sanibel Island, FL, as well as many other restaurants. She rounded out her service career as a manager at GNC in Columbus.

Known for her love of animals, Karen was always just a cat or two away from the official designation of Cat Lady. She was devoted to her cats and could not bear to hear about the suffering of any animals. Karen was a voracious reader, and had a sharp wit and quick mind. She loved following celebrity affairs, current movies, crossword puzzles, and listening to her favorite rock bands on the SiriusXM radio station in her car. And Karen loved to dance.

Karen is predeceased by husband, Robert Hughes; and parents, Marilyn and Calvert Shuptrine. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Rick) Spears; brother, John (Kelly) Shuptrine; sister, Julie (Bernard Wilburn) Shuptrine; and nephews, Chris and Casey Shuptrine and Miles and Lake Wilburn. Donations in her name can be made to Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Dr., Toledo, OH, 43615.