Elta Winona Hughes Sherrod

Elta “Winona” Sherrod, 98, of Stratford, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Winona was born on April 8, 1927, in Boswell, Oklahoma, to Thomas and Irene Shaw. She grew up in Boswell, where she met and married Walter Brooks Hughes on September 28, 1944. As a devoted wife, she followed Walter throughout his career in education, making homes in Sawyer, Gene Autry, and ultimately Stratford. No matter where life took them, Winona had a gift for turning each house into a warm and welcoming home. Winona and Walter shared 42 years of marriage, a union built on love, commitment, and family. Together, they raised three sons. Following Walter’s passing, Winona later married Jess Sherrod in 1988. They shared many happy years together until Jess’s death in 2003. Winona was a devoted homemaker and worked briefly at the Flower Shop, Freeman’s Department Store, and Mary Lou’s Dress Shop in Stratford. She was a faithful member of Stratford Methodist Church, where she served in various roles, but her greatest joy was singing in the church choir. She was an excellent cook, a loving mother and grandmother, and was affectionately known by many as “Granny Nona.” Deeply rooted in her community, Winona was active in local events and served on the Stratford Chamber Board. Her life was marked by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people. Winona was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Irene Shaw; her husbands, Walter Brooks Hughes and Jess Sherrod; her brothers, Carlton Shaw, Elton Shaw, and Kenneth Shaw; and her sister, Darlene Gross. She is survived by her sons: Mike Hughes and wife Peggy of Oklahoma City; Joe Pat Hughes and wife Connie of Dickson, Oklahoma; and Jeff Hughes of Norman, Oklahoma; as well as her sister, Lynda Willsey, and her brother, H.W. “Dub” Shaw. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chase Hughes (wife Somer, son Grayson); Brian Hughes (wife Natalie, daughter Indy, son Andrew); Meredith Rogers (husband Michael, daughter Arianna); Jerren Almon (daughter Kylie, sons Jaxen and Kreiden); Kelby Hughes (wife Khelia, daughters Baylie Ingram (husband Nathan Ingram) and Kyra, granddaughter Lily, son Nathan); Jared Hughes (wife Paige, sons Bentley, Jackson, and Macallan); Eddi Hughes; Brooks Hughes (son Lucas); and Kelsi Hughes. Winona was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Services honoring Winona’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Stratford Methodist Church.

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Elta Winona Hughes Sherrod

April 8, 1927 - December 16, 2025