HERKIMER It is with great sadness that Sherry, JoEllen and Sue announce the passing of their father George E. Hughes, on Saturday morning January 8, 2005 in Little Falls Hospital. He was born on May 17, 1914 in Herkimer, son of the late Frank and Nellie (Cristman) Hughes. Raised and educated in Herkimer he graduated Herkimer High School with the class of 1932. On August 3, 1940 he married the former Ruth E. Quackenbush in the Herkimer Dutch Reformed Church. They shared a loving and devoted union of 55 years until her passing on October 4, 1995. For twenty-five years he worked with the Herkimer County Highway Department retiring on his birthday of 1975. For over forty years he was a call fireman for the village of Herkimer. George enjoyed fishing. However most people knew him for his craftsmanship with woodworking. He especially enjoyed working with butternut wood. He made jewelry boxes, cedar chests and crosses. He delighted in giving the crosses and jewelry boxes to his friends. If you received a crafted item from George then you were special. He was a sincere man who possessed a heart of gold and truly enjoyed people. He always had a story to tell and could make you laugh especially if you were having a bad day. He had a gift of knowing you needed a smile. To have known George was to have had a friend for life. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his family. Surviving are his three daughters, Sharon Lee Sherry Bolton and her husband Richard of Norway, JoEllen Hughes of Oriskany, Susan E. Hughes and her husband John Regan Jr. of Little Falls, one sister, Eleanor Robinson of Fairfield, seven grandchildren, Lori Fuller, Douglas Sobolowski, Cindy Sobolowski, Scott Van Dyke, Kristin Van Dyke, Todd VanDyke, Suellen Rosetti, twelve great grandchildren, Ashley, Samantha, Stevie, Aaron, Rebecca Lynn, Corey, Danielle, Emilie, Elizabeth, Andrew, Alex and Donald, several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife Ruth, he was preceded in death by a sister Emilie Bidleman. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, 11:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Reverend David Kirkpatrick will officiate. Interment will take place this spring in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m Memorial donations may be made to MOVAC or to a charity of your choice.