Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Hughes

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Flinders Hughes passed away October 2nd, 2026 at the remarkable age of 105.

Betty was born March 31, 1921 on the family farm near Sutherland, Iowa. She was the third child of Laurence G. Flinders and Laura Burmeister Flinders and joined her family of two older brothers, Horace and Dale. Eight years later she was followed by a sister Norma. All four children and their father Laurence were born on the family farm. Betty attended a country school a mile from home, walking there with her brothers during the warmer months and riding in a bobsled pulled by a team of horses during the winter months. They all enjoyed playing in the hills above the valley where their home stood. The siblings formed an orchestra with nearby neighbors and were often called upon to entertain guests. Horace and Dale played the violin and Betty accompanied them on the piano. She often said “what we lacked in talent, we made up for with gusto!” In high school, music was much of her focus. Betty sang with several groups and performed solos, was gifted with perfect pitch and could play a tune on the piano by ear.

Betty graduated from high school in 1938. She was enrolled at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, but after a visit from California cousins, she decided to take advantage of free college tuition in California. There she attended Santa Monica Junior College and worked for room and board, living with a woman in need of a personal aide. She cooked, cleaned and ran errands driving the woman’s blue Buick convertible. While there she studied music for two years.

In 1940, Betty returned to Iowa and studied at what is now the University of Northern Iowa and received her teaching certificate in 1943. She moved to Primghar, Iowa and taught kindergarten and grade school music, and there she met her future husband, Reece Hughes.

Betty and Reece were married on September 1,1946, in Sutherland, Iowa and were married 59 years. In November 1947, their daughter Jan was born, followed by son John in 1951, and daughter Mary in 1954. They raised their family in Harlan, Iowa where Betty taught 4th grade for 23 years. She often spoke about how much she loved every class she taught.

After the death of her husband Reece in 2005, Betty married Dr. Lawrence Larsen of Harlan, in 2008. They enjoyed seven years together writing and illustrating children’s books before he passed away in 2015.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Horace and Dale, husband Reece, and her husband Lawrence. Betty is survived by her children: Jan Hughes McIntosh (Tom), Loveland, CO; John Hughes (Louanne Fronning), Clitherall, MN; and Mary Hughes Cherrier (Bill), Clive, IA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Phil McIntosh (Cathy Lee), Windsor, CO; Paul McIntosh (Xan Owens), Ft. Collins CO; Sarah Schmitz, Fishers, IN; Christy Cherrier (Kristian Haapa-aho), Seattle, WA; and Nick Cherrier (Allison Schwanebeck), Cedar Rapids, IA; and great-grandchildren Ali and Sam McIntosh, Kian McIntosh, and Mason Schmitz. Also surviving Betty are her sister Norma Alexander (Lorne), Pocahontas, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition, Betty is survived by the children of Lawrence Larsen: Barbara Boeck (Jim), David Larsen (Jackie), Bob Larsen (Gwen) and extended family members.

Betty will be remembered by many for her kind and gentle spirit, her positive attitude, and her ability to always see the good in others. She will be forever loved and missed by her family and fondly remembered by all who knew her. So, pour a gin and tonic and cheers to Betty!

Donations can be made to the Iowa Association of Young Children (Iowa AEYC), iowaaeyc.org, in memory of Elizabeth A. Hughes