Ruth Joella Hughes, 38, Monticello, died Saturday, Nov. 13, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne from injuries sustained in a horseback riding accident.

She was born August 14, 1961, to Robert and Verla Hettinger Ward Jr., in Monticello. She was married April 8, 1989, to Kerry C. Hughes in Buffalo and he survives.

She was a 1979 graduate of North White High School and had lived in White County all of her life.

She and her husband owned Hughes Village Rental Community on U.S. 24, east of Monticello.

She was employed at Crooked Creek Trails as a certified horseback riding instructor and trail guide. She also was an employee of Monon Corp. and HPA Monon for the last six years.

She was a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association where she had received certification for being an instructor and guide.

Before getting so involved in horseback riding, she enjoyed sewing and crocheting.

She is survived by her husband; parents, Robert Ward Jr. and Verla Hettinger Stevens; son, Kristopher Hughes, and daughter Nena Hughes, both at home; grandmother, Iva Meinders, Monticello; father and mother-in law, John and Elizabeth "Midge" Mattix of Buffalo; brothers, Kevin and Kerry Ward of Monticello, James Ward of Guntersville, Alabama and Michael Ward of Medaryville; sisters, Lynn Conley of Buffalo and Mary Jarvis, Monticello; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was this morning at Miller-Roscka Funeral Home with Frank Hicks officiating.

Burial was in Buffalo Cemetery.