Age 88, passed away early Friday morning, September 17, 2021, one day shy of her 89^th birthday. Elfriede was born in Gersthofen, Germany, on September 18, 1932, the daughter of Josef and Anna (Haug) Ruf.  On February 5, 1955, she married Clarence Hughes who preceded her in death. She worked for many years at Gibson Guitar Company. Elfriede enjoyed playing Bingo and playing the lottery. She will be remembered as being a great cook and baker.  Elfriede is survived by her daughters, Sonja Hughes of Kalamazoo and Brigitte Hughes also of Kalamazoo; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; daughter in law, Suzanne Knight; siblings in Germany; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Philip Hughes, and Ora Hughes; daughters, Anita Hughes and Ingrid Hughes; and a grandson Robbie Smith.