Nolene N. Nehring Mchugh

Nolene N. Nehring McHugh (Manhattan) passed peacefully on March 10, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born August 30, 1935, the daughter of James Troy, Sr and Della Clark Altman in Pierce County, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Joseph Alan (JA) Altman, James Troy Altman Jr, Walter Edgar and sisters Queechie Mae Sapp and Loretta (Susie) Pellitier.

Survived by daughters Ruthie (Frank) Horner, Allen, TX; Sherrie (Steve) Kreiser, Peabody, KS; and Rhonda (Dean) Nehring, Alma KS; 3 grandchildren Chadd (Brandy) Woodall, Kansas City; Corey Krick, McKinny, TX; and Erin (Dave) Dix, Orlando; 4 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, her husband Ralph and beloved furry friends Coco and Peewee of the home and step-children Pam (Greg) Hendrix, Ralph (Mary) McHugh Jr, Randy McHugh, Rhonda (Kelly) Briggs and Geralynn Carstenson.

Nolene grew up on farms in Southeast Georgia and was no stranger to hard work as the family raised tobacco and cotton for cash crops and lived off the land. All the siblings were expected to help pick cotton and string tobacco as soon as they were able.

She moved to Jacksonville, Florida with her sister Susie after high school where she met and married Ronald B. Nehring. They then moved back to the Nehring family farm near Alma, Kansas.

Nolene worked as a waitress at the A&A café, Nickerson Farms and owned the Harvey House Café in Alma in the late 1960's. She spent the rest of her career at Kansas State University first working in food service at Derby Hall during the school year and as part of the paint crew in the summer when Derby Hall was closed. It was her work ethic and attention to detail that got her noticed by the Superintendent of Housekeeping and she was offered a full-time job as a painter. Nolene was one of the first two women to be hired in that position in 1974.

In 1996, Nolene married Ralph McHugh, Sr and moved to his home on Lake Elbo Road. They enjoyed their retirement years fixing up the old farmhouse that was moved onto the property, camping and fishing at Milford Lake and sitting on the porch admiring God's creations.

Nolene was known for wonderful soul cooking. She cultivated beautiful flower gardens, loved to travel, had a sense of adventure, and loved to dance.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 15 at 10:30 AM at Peace United Church of Christ, Alma KS with lunch to follow. Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. Graveside services to be held at a later date.

She requested no flowers, but memorial contributions can be made to Peace United Church of Christ or to the Macular Degeneration Association and sent to Nolene McHugh Memorial, 22727 Nehring Branch Rd., Alma KS 66401.