Elinor T. Hughes, age 79, passed away from cancer Saturday evening, July 10, 2010 at her home under the care of her family and Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 14th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 2:30 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Robert Schirmer, chaplain of Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley officiating and burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville.

Elinor was born May 30, 1931 in Gouverneur, the daughter of Clifford E. and Adah M. (Young) Tibbits Sr. She lived in the Gouverneur area all her life.

Elinor graduated Valedictorian from Gouverneur High School in 1949. Following graduation, she was employed by Bligh Dodds Insurance Agency and the Gouverneur Agricultural and Mechanical Society (Gouverneur Fair) for the summer. From October 1949 to March 1950, she was employed by W.H. Loomis Talc Corp., Gouverneur taking care of payroll and payroll distribution.

In March 1950, Elinor joined Mason Rossiter Smith, Inc. in Gouverneur as a receptionist, proofreader and bookkeeper. In 1952, she was named circulation manager of the Tribune Press, and in 1966, she was named Controller and Assistant Treasurer of Mason Rossiter Smith, Inc. and later was named production manager, purchasing agent and estimator. In 1985, Mason Rossiter Smith, Inc. was reorganized and became MRS Printing, Inc. at which time she became a co-owner and was named Vice President and Treasurer and general manager. Elinor retired from MRS Printing, Inc. in 1988.

In March 1989 she returned to the workforce in advertising with Sperling’s Furniture Store in Ogdensburg where she remained until 1991. In 1994. Elinor joined G&R Auto Parts in Gouverneur as part-time bookkeeper and office manager continuing until June 2010.

Elinor and her husband Darrell operated Matoon Creek Stables, training and boarding horses from 1971 until 1988. The couple were members of the North Country Arabian Horse Association, a trail riding club, enjoying outings and camping trips with their horses.

Elinor was an avid bowler on Gouverneur leagues since 1950. Elinor enjoyed riding motorcycle in her earlier years and enjoyed her horses, dancing, Bluegrass music, watching basketball and car races, was a fan of Tim Fuller, and liked spending time with her dear friend Duane Breyette. Elinor married Darrell G. Hughes at the Gouverneur Baptist Church on November 18, 1950. Darrell passed away September 29, 1988.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda and Milt Storie, and Lori and Rich Gates both of Gouverneur; a son, Robert and Laura (Strate) Hughes of Gouverneur; two sisters, Mrs. Eldon (Eloise) Conklin and Mrs. Donald (Julie) Lancto of Gouverneur; a brother, Arthur Tibbits and his companion Martha Allen of Edwards; a sister-in-law, Joan Tibbits of Gouverneur; several nieces and nephews; five grandsons, Derek (and Stacy) Storie, of North Carolina, Jason and Michael Storie of Gouverneur, Timothy Storie currently serving with the US Marine Corps on Okinawa, and Troy Gates of Gouverneur; four granddaughters, Carly Gates, Denise Hughes-Given, Melissa Hughes, and Erin Hughes, all of Gouverneur; and six great grandsons.

Elinor was predeceased by a brother, Clifford E. Tibbits Jr.; a great grandson; and a great granddaughter.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.