Susan Frances Upton-Hughes, 67,

Susan Frances Upton-Hughes, 67, of Vay, passed away on Tuesday, Oct.19, 2021, in Newport, Wash., following a long battle with cancer.

Susan was born on Aug. 21, 1954, at Fairchild AFB to the late Francis N. and Constance C. Upton. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1971 and North Idaho (Junior) College in 1973. Following a four-year hitch as a Photographers Mate in the U.S. Navy, she completed her higher education with a BS in Horticulture from Washington State University in 1980 and an MS in Agronomy from Montana State University in 1983. She married William J. (Bill) Hughes in 1985.

Susan worked for Western Geophysical seismographing in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. Upon Susan and Bill’s return to North Idaho, she worked in the pressroom at the Cd’A Press. She worked in agricultural related jobs including Noxious Weed control for Kootenai County and data collection for the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture. She taught biology and botany at North Idaho College and Spokane Falls Community College, as well as teaching master gardener classes in the five northern counties.

Susan loved gardening and she and Bill enjoyed canning their produce together. They also shared their love of hunting (she counted her bull moose harvest in 2006 as one of the highlights of her life), fishing, horseback riding and camping. Susan loved digging for fossils. She was an avid reader and liked crocheting and playing pinochle. She trained and trialed her Australian Shepherds to many titles in conformation, obedience and herding. She loved cruising around in her VW bus full of cowdogs.

Susan is survived by her husband, Bill, at their home in Vay.

At her request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to HUNAH (Herd U Needed A Home) rescue at PO Box 7950, Bend, Ore., 97708.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Susan’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.