FRANKLIN
Mona (Gates) Hughes, 74, of Franklin, passed on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Franklin United Methodist Community.
She was born April, 9, 1943 to the late Bessie Rae (McKay) Gates and Carl H. Gates in Indianapolis, Indiana, growing up in Smith Valley, Indiana. Mona graduated from Center Grove High School, and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
Mona lived several years in Orlando, Florida and Pasadena, California.
Mona was a published author and former columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, covering disability issues. She was honored numerous times for her efforts on behalf of the disabled.
She is survived by her daughter, Angie (Keith) Walls of Franklin; her sister, Nancy (Randy) Johnson of Greenwood; her brother, Larry (Sharon) Gates of Grove, Oklahoma; and three grandchildren in Franklin. She will be missed by her best dog, Scruffy, who currently resides in Greenwood. She was preceded in death by her parents.
There will be no public services. Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Riley Children’s Foundation (rileykids.org), Humane Society of Johnson County (hsjc.org), or Franklin College Math Department (franklincollege.edu/giving/ [designate Other Fund and note Math Dept in comments]).
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for the love and care extended to Mona by the Third Floor staff of Franklin United Methodist Home.
Arrangements are being handled by Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center in Franklin. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.
Information: 317-738-0202.
