Editor’s Note: This is the fourth story in a series of articles part of a special print edition highlighting senior citizens in the community. Visit local businesses to pick up your copy or reach out to [email protected].

Ruth Hughs has dedicated years to connecting the senior community in Eudora.

Her advocacy for seniors started during her time on the City Commission in 2010. As the only senior on the commission, Hughs acted as a representative for the senior community and had the opportunity to give input on their behalf. Hughs also made history in 2013 by becoming the first female mayor in Eudora.

“A woman had never done it, and I don’t know why really. But it was a privilege to be the first,” she said.

A few years ago, Hughs saw a need for seniors to have a space to socialize, leading to the development of the Senior Foundation of Eudora in 2019. She wanted to see a place where seniors could come together and feel like part of a community, and that’s what the foundation has done. 

The foundation now provides exercise classes for seniors, a senior transportation service and monthly gatherings. Hughs believes the foundation is helping improve the physical, emotional and mental health of Eudora seniors.

As a founder and president of the Senior Foundation, she’s proud of the work she and her team have done to make an impact on the lives of seniors. She said it’s a dream to see what a success the foundation has grown to be. 

The monthly meetings at the start of the foundation only had about a dozen attendees. Hughs said meetings now typically have 40 to 60 attendees. These meetings have provided seniors with close friendships and help them get out and stay active in the community.

Hughs also refers to herself as the “town crier” for seniors. When she was mayor, Hughs would attend senior activities and share what happened at commission meetings, what decisions were debated and any other important details. 

She said seniors tend to be out of the loop, so she is dedicated to keeping them informed. Although she is no longer involved with the commission, Hughs still makes a point to stay in the loop with current commission members to continue spreading valuable information to the seniors.

Hughs is also focused on helping Eudora build affordable senior housing. She said the city needs a place for seniors to go when they are ready to sell their house. Hughs realized this project was necessary when she sold her house in Eudora and there was nowhere for her to live. 

Hughs said she is excited to keep working with the city and gaining input from seniors to develop this housing. Through all of her work in the community, some may wonder why Hughs is still so involved. She said there is a simple reason: she loves to serve.

“Whether it be in a classroom, on the commission, in an exercise class, stopping and visiting with somebody,” Hughs said. “I want to be Jesus’ arms and legs, and this is a great way to do it.”

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