Juanita "Pete" Hughes

Juanita Louise Hughes, affectionately known as "Pete," passed away at her home on April 14, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 31, 1945, in Bertha, MN, she was the beloved daughter of William Howard and Perle Audrey (Lamay) Oyster. Growing up on a dairy farm, Pete learned the values of hard work and dedication early on, helping with chores and milking cows alongside her family. 

After graduating from high school in 1963, Pete embarked on a life filled with love and laughter. She met her high school sweetheart, Harry Dean Hughes, and they tied the knot on August 11, 1963. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Terri and Jim, and built a life rooted in agriculture. Pete and Harry spent over two decades farming, tending to their dairy herd before transitioning to beef cattle—a change that allowed her to indulge her fondness for baby calves and raising her beloved mares and foals. 

Pete was active in the Trail Blazers Saddle Club, where she participated in numerous horse shows and PRCA rodeos. She also was a regional manager for Tupperware Sales and ran her own business selling PJs and bras until she decided to retire. In her earlier years, she even taught swimming lessons at Lindberg Point on Lake Osakis, sharing her love for water with many. 

Pete was a devoted member of the Leslie Community Church, eagerly participating in church activities for an impressive 62 years. Whether it was watching nature unfold in her backyard, enjoying a quiet afternoon fishing, or filling her feeders for the birds, Pete cherished the simple pleasures in life. Her passion for fun was evident in her many trips to casinos and race tracks, and she relished the company of friends during bridge games—Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and any other day she could join. 

As a grandmother, Pete was the ultimate cheerleader, supporting her grandchildren through every rodeo event, from world finals to state competitions. Her unwavering love and encouragement will forever resonate in their hearts. 

In her honor, let us remember the laughter, the love, and the light that Pete brought into our lives. She will be profoundly missed and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Pete is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Harry Dean Hughes; her children Terri (Mike) Grinager and Jim (Brenda) Hughes; five grandchildren, Wade, Kyle, Brett, Tyler, and Haley; ten great grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Jane (Marvin) Duncun, Marie Jean Edenloff, and Jarrell Robinson. 

Pete was preceded in death by: her parents, William Howard and Perle Audrey Oyster; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Loren and Grayce Hughes, and her sister Judith Miller.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 5-7 PM at the Roy Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Leslie Community Church, 15496 County 10, Osakis, MN.