Claudette Fay Hughes, 82, passed away Wednesday July 29, 2026 in Ennis, Montana. Claudette was born to Walter & Therese "Rose" (Hergett) Breshears on October 26, 1943 two minutes behind her twin sister Claudia May in Billings, Montana. The twins joined sisters Rochelle and Therese. Claudette lived in Billings until fifth grade when the family moved to the Madison Valley to take over the Meadow Lake Lodge in McAllister with newly married Therese & Maurice Holmes. The final addition was little brother Morris (Morrie) Holmes, Jr.

The tomboy of the bunch, Claudette earned the nickname Jo as she cut ice from Ennis Lake in the winter for the icehouse and put out the boats at the dock for the summer guests. She was an expert sling-shot marksman and ran around with the neighborhood her sister Claudia, and the Hughes and Sprout kids. Claudette spent hours rebounding basketballs and catching pitches for Larry Hughes.

Claudette graduated from Ennis High School in 1962 where she played in band and choir. Regrettably girls sports weren't offered in the late 50's so she never competed for the high school. However, an AAU track team was created. She still holds Ennis' Softball Throw record which has since been retired. Claudette had enough talent to compete in the 1962 Olympic Trials in Los Angeles which was a highlight of her track career and where she met many of her track idols.

Claudette studied art and P.E. at Montana State College in Bozeman for 2 years until she reconnected with her best friend Larry Hughes who had returned from his Army stint. Larry and Claudette were married on October 17, 1964 and went into partnership with in-laws Lewis & Mildred Hughes at their ranch on South Meadow Creek. Claudette had great drive and creativity paired with her unstoppable work ethic. She built an entire addition onto her trailer house. She learned to fence, ride horses, move cattle, brand, ran sheep, and gardened She was an integral part of the success of the ranch.

The Hughes welcomed Creyton Allen to the family in 1968 and Tracy Renee four years later in 1972. Claudette was a loving mother and devoted supporter of her kids. The Hughes' never missed a high school sporting event, 4-H Fair or school concert. The highlight of many friends' summers was the annual 6-day cattle drive to the Gravelly Range. She managed to prepare 6-days of meals ahead of departure, saddle her own horse, pack all the gear, drive the cook shack and feed the crew effortlessly with energy left to laugh and play.

Claudette was an avid competitor. She played in the summer softball league and had a fierce arm playing as a left-handed short stop. She bowled in the Ennis Bowling League and took countless State Bowling trips with friends. But she excelled at throwing horse shoes. Claudette was the reigning champion of the Hughes Ranch. One year at the Madison County Fair she threw in the men's tournament and won it; her winning strategy was attributed to her ability to talk the opponent's ears off. Besides organized sports, the family enjoyed heated ping-pong games, and competitive cards.

Larry and Claudette had been married for 42 years when Larry died of a heart attack. Claudette did what she always did, rolled up her sleeves and dug in. In partnership with her son, and the help of cowboy friends, Claudette continued the 7L Bar Ranch operations for another 10 years. In 2016, she retired to the Troutdale under her beloved Tobacco Root Mountains and near Ennis Lake.

Claudette will be lovingly remembered for her easy sense of humor, her relentless ability to accomplish tasks, her creativity

Claudette is survived by her children Creyton (Michelle) Hughes, Tracy (Daron) Kamerman, grandchildren Austin (Brooke) Hughes, Delaney Kamerman, Nolan Kamerman. Her sisters Claudia May Sorvig, Rochelle Kriewald, and brother Maurice Holmes. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Larry Allen Hughes, sister Therese Jenkins, and both parents.

A graveside service will be held August 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Meadow Lake Cemetery in McAllister, Montana. Following that a Celebration of Life will be held at Creyton & Michelle Hughes' home at