Kimberly K. Hughes

Kimberly K. Hughes, of Dayton, was born on December 25, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital.

Kim lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and steady faith. A gentle soul with a heart of gold, she gave herself wholeheartedly to the people, causes, and community she loved. She graduated from Springboro High School with the Class of 1977 and went on to obtain her Associate's Degree from Sinclair Community College, while also taking courses at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She later retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base after 32 years of employment, a milestone that reflected her dedication and perseverance.

Her life outside of work was rich with the things that brought her joy. Kim adored horses, and she loved dogs. Dogs were truly her life. She generously volunteered her time with Robyn's Nest Rescue in Germantown, Gem City Dog Obedience Club in Dayton, and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. She was heavily involved in auctions, fundraising, and dog training, always ready to give her energy to help animals and those who cared for them. One of her proudest recent accomplishments was earning first place in her first barn hunt trial with her dog, River, a moment that brought her great happiness and pride.

Kim was also a woman of deep faith. She was a devoted member of Healing Word Assembly of God and faithfully served as a board member. Music was another thread woven through her life. She enjoyed singing with her father in years past and singing at church, and she loved listening to Elvis, John Denver, classic country, and Christian music. She found pleasure in gardening and growing vegetables, and she loved to travel, having just recently returned from a cruise.

Above all, Kim loved her family. She made it a point to attend every single event for her grandchildren, something that kept her joyfully busy. She especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandson and was always caring for them with love and attention. She also loved camping with family and friends, and she delighted in Christmas—not only because it was her birthday, but because she truly embraced the warmth, celebration, and giving spirit of the season. She also enjoyed shopping, especially on Amazon and during Black Friday, finding happiness in even the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Kim is survived by her children, Kathy (Michael) Bihlman, William Hawley, Matthew (Ashley) Hawley, Joey (Sydney) Hawley; brothers, Rob (Melissa) Buskirk and Greg (Candice) Buskirk; grandchildren, Bryant (Briana) Rose, Jordan Rose, Kyle Hughes (Sierra Corcoran), Kameron Bihlman, Rainly Bihlman, Gracelynn Murnahan, Waylen Hawley, and Adam Hawley; great grandson, Kayden Hughes; step-mother, Christine Buskirk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan (Terry) Biddle and father, Robert Buskirk. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Healing Word Assembly of God (5303 S. Dixie Hwy., Franklin, OH 45005). Funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm. Kim will be laid to rest in Miami Valley Memory Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Robyn's Nest Inc. (Rescue).

Kim will be remembered for her generous heart, her faithful spirit, her love of music and animals, and the many ways she showed up for those she loved. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, the family gatherings she brightened, the church she served, and the causes she supported so passionately.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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