Heather Hughes

Heather Anne Hughes (Benda), age 55, passed away on December 7, 2024, at her home in Bismarck, North Dakota, following a battle with liver failure. Heather was born on August 19, 1969, at Fort Buckner in Okinawa, Japan, the cherished daughter of Jerald and Katherine Benda of Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Heather spent her younger years dancing ballet, playing piano, and occasionally tormenting her two younger brothers by dressing them in tutus and pulling them around the neighborhood in a red wagon.

She spent years living in Florida, Connecticut, and North Carolina, working at restaurants, scuba diving, and jumping out of airplanes, before moving back to North Dakota in 2012. 

Throughout her life, Heather learned the transformative power of grace and gratitude. Her journey through recovery taught her that life is less about perfection and more about connection. She was always volunteering and seeking ways to serve others, striving to make everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for. She was known for her contagious smile, radiant spirit, compassionate heart, passion for cooking, and for being a veracious reader. She spent the last few years of her life striving to grow, heal, and inspire others to do the same. 

She is survived by parents, Jerald and Katherine Benda of Grand Forks; brothers, Jerald II (wife Marlana) of Temple, TX, Jeffrey (wife Melissa) of Fargo, ND, and Robert (wife Robyn) of Grand Forks, ND; and her nieces and nephews, Mallory, Jack, Aubrey, Jebediah, Madison, and Lucia, who brought her immense pride and joy.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow at 12:00 noon in the church basement.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, December 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Hub, located at 321 South 1st Street, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Heather will be laid to rest on February 1, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, beside her beloved maternal grandparents, Robert and Radna Vetzel.

In honor of Heather’s life, the family requests that contributions be made to Hope Manor Sober Living Homes (www.hopemanor.org), an organization that reflects her commitment to renewal and hope.

May she now rest in eternal peace, embraced by the grace and light she so freely gave to others.