Barbara V. Hughes

Barbara Vastine Hughes passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Barbara was loved by a large circle of friends and family attracted by her warmth, wit, and interest in their lives.

Born August 31, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Barbara attended University High School and graduated LSU with a BS in Business. Active with Chi Omega and several other campus groups, Barbara was elected LSU Freshman of the Year. Barbara’s lifelong interest in people, organizing gatherings, and serving others never ceased. She was a beacon of light and joy to many. After college, Barbara worked in budget and finance roles in several industries, most notably at a historic and active sugar cane plantation and the LSU AG Center.

Barbara met the love of her life, William J. Hughes Jr., on a blind date and they married in 1980. Barbara’s love for people, events and history coupled with her husband’s wit and enthusiasm for design, engineering, and flying were a perfect match that led to many adventures. They traveled extensively, often in her husband’s plane for leisure and business, and developed many friendships abroad. Barbara was also a great partner in her husband’s architect and engineering projects.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, William J. Hughes Jr; parents, Ethel and Marvin Vastine; and sister, Sandra Dennis and husband, Jack.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Boone Vastine and wife, Carolyn; daughter, Cheryl Jones and husband, Rowley, and their children, Shelby Neuman and husband, Nick, and Grayson Jones; son, Richard Wood and wife, Dr. Rebecca Adcock; step-daughter, Nancy Readinger and her children, Alexa Alexander and Andrew Readinger; step-son, Jeff Hughes and wife, Tammy, and his children, Jessica Stewart and husband, Chad, Campbell Hughes and wife, Amy Paige. In addition, Barbara is survived by five great-granddaughters, a future great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until service time. Graveside burial will take place afterward at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to University United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.