Karla Jean Hughes Lee passed away at home the morning of May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Karla was born March 23, 1933 in St. George, Utah to Dee Mathew Hughes and Lois Judd Hughes, and was raised in Mesquite Nevada.

Following her high school graduation, she attended Dixie College, where she met the love of her live, Afton Franklin Lee at a New Year’s Eve dance. They were married 27 days later on January 27, 1952. They settled and lived a happy life in Hurricane, Utah, where they raised five children.

Karla returned to Dixie College to finish her teaching degree and taught 1st-3rd grade. She later earned her Master’s Degree in elementary education from SUSC during her summer breaks from teaching and taught in Washington County for 25 years.

Karla loved to travel as often as possible, whether it was a weekend road trip or traveling abroad. She was an avid reader and loved to write poetry.

Karla was preceded in death by her husband, Afton Lee; her sons, DeLin and Terry Lee; her parents, Dee and Lois Hughes; her brothers, DeMar, Warren and Arvil; and her sister, Bonita Boyce. She is survived by three children, Kerry Lee, Lynnette Chamberlain, and Richard (Arthur) Lee; her two brothers, Myron and Derald Hughes; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Bonzo Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 North Main Street, Hurricane, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., with a viewing prior at 11:00 a.m., at the Hurricane LDS Chapel, 274 South 100 West, Hurricane, Utah. Karla will be laid to rest next to her eternal companion in the Hurricane City Cemetery located at 255 East 600 North.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Those unable to attend are invited to view the services at the following link: Livestream