Kelly Lynn Hughes

Kelly Lynn Hughes, 41, of Cottonwood, Arizona, died March 21, 2020 in a tragic accident while paddleboarding on the Verde River in Clarkdale, Arizona. She left this world to soon doing exactly what she loved, being active and enjoying nature.

Kelly was born in Howell, Michigan on July 3, 1978. She attended primary and secondary school in Michigan and Ohio and graduated from Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio in 1996.  Kelly received a Bachelor's Degree in Business from University Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2001 and worked for EDI, a non-profit business in Milwaukee that supported medical associations.  A few years after starting that job she decided to return to school and become a physical therapist.  She pursued that goal and graduated with a Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona in 2011.  Upon graduation she started her physical therapy career working in critical care and the ICU at Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood, Arizona where she was currently employed.

Kelly is survived by her mother, Suzanne Hughes of Sedona, AZ, her beloved dog, Bella, several aunts and uncles, Corey Hughes of Mt. Olive, MI, Greg and Dotty Hughes of Rochester, NH, Mary Hughes of Penacook, NH, Janet Rasey of Seattle, WA, Nancy Bresette of Higgins Lake, MI, numerous cousins, her special "one" David Caccia, Jr. of Camp Verde, Arizona and so many wonderful friends from all over the country.

Celebration of Life Memorial plans are on hold and will be announced after the country conquers the Covid-19 pandemic and groups of people can safely gather again.  As Kelly's mother, I ask that during this delay you keep Kelly alive by supporting things that were special to her...plant a tree for cleaner air, spread her joy of life and practice healthy living.  Kelly was a bright light and will continue to shine and guide all she touched.