Elizabeth Claudine Hughes Stewart
January 10, 1924 - April 4, 2022

E. Claudine Hughes Stewart, 98, died on April 4, 2022, after a long and fruitful life. She was born in Los Angeles on January 10, 1924. She moved to Phoenix with her parents, Betty and Bud Henderson in 1926, where she lived for the rest of her life. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1942, and attended Phoenix College. Claudine was preceded in death by her first husband, John K. Hughes, her second husband, Earl J. Stewart, and daughters, Bette C. Hughes and Kim C. Loosle (John). She is survived by her sister, Ruby Butts, son, J Kelley Hughes (Celia), daughter, Nancy E. Hughes, stepson, Pat Stewart (Polly), granddaughter, Kelsey E. Hughes, and many nieces and nephews. Her career included working for the US Engineers, the RFC, and working in clerical or administrative positions at North and Central High Schools, City Delivery and Expert Electric. Claudine married John on April 6, 1946, and they lived a wonderful life together in Phoenix until John passed in 1991. In 2001, Claudine met and later married Earl J. Stewart. Claudine and Earl had a ball dancing and traveling together. Claudine loved life and was described as a "tornado on wheels". She was always full of adventure. Whatever she was involved in became her passion. She was a very accomplished artist and was exceptionally talented in many art mediums. Claudine loved painting the most, and was able to capture the wonder of landscapes. As a result of her ability to notice the smallest detail in the environment, her paintings looked remarkably realistic and replicated the spirit of the environment. She was fun, happy, strong, determined, gracious, and a good sport. She loved being with family and friends, and all pets. She never stopped growing and learning, and was very ready to continue to do so in Heaven. Claudine asked us to look around and see the beauty in the world we often miss. She will always live in our hearts until we are reunited with her in Heaven. In the meantime, look up... she is painting the clouds and sunsets, dancing, and having a ball! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley and St Mary's Food Bank.

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