Mrs. Helen Ruth Bigham Hughes, age 89, of Turtletown, TN died suddenly Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She was born on July 22, 1923 in Polk County, TN to the late Nora Lee and David Octavius Bigham. Mrs. Hughes was a homemaker most of her earlier years. She started a career in her 70s with Angio Systems in Ducktown, TN for ten years. Mrs. Hughes was loved by many friends, family members and always ready to help anyone in need. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of McCaysville and the Prime Time Choir. Mrs. Hughes was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rufus Hughes in 1986; along with several sisters and brothers.She is survived by her son, Stephen R. Hughes and his wife Karen of Marietta, GA; her daughter, Phyllis H. Green and her husband Charles of Knoxville, TN; three grandchildren, Chris Hughes and his wife, Lisa of Kingston, GA, Matthew Hughes and his wife, Tori of Marietta, GA and Ashley Mitzel and her husband Eric of Marietta, GA; two step grandchildren, Charles Green of Southaven, MS and Kahra Gilley and her husband, Johnny, of Oak Ridge, TN; four great grandchildren, Tyler Hughes, Dora Hughes, Jackson Mitzel, and Cate Hughes; one great, great grandchild, Loghan Hughes; seven step great grandchildren; five step great, great grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Bigham and wife, Bobbie of Turtletown, TN and D.O. Bigham of Ducktown, TN; one sister, Mary Bryant and her husband, Ralph of Salinity, KY; a special niece, Jan Bigham and her husband Rick; nephew, Don Bigham; several other nieces and nephews also survive.Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Doug Payne officiating. Music was by The Prime Time Choir. Pallbearers were Matthew Hughes, Chris Hughes, Tyler Hughes, Eric Mitzel, Rick Beck and Justin Beck. Interment followed in the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes or Gideon International. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements. .