Delores Ann Hughes Alvey, age 85, of Leitchfield, passed away Tuesday, (March 17, 2026) at Baptist East in Louisville, KY. She was born on September 17, 1940, in Clarkson, KY, the daughter of the late Robert Leon Hughes and Mary Louise Skees Hughes.

Delores was a beloved mother, nurse, and lifelong resident of Grayson County. She spent her life proving that it is never too late to follow your heart. While Delores spent many years as a dedicated homemaker, she never lost sight of her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, which she achieved at the age of 52. Her classmates elected her to receive the Human Touch Award, a testament to the warmth and kindness she brought to her patients’ care. Outside of her career, she remained committed to helping others, volunteering at the Twin Lakes Regional Hospital through the Women’s Auxiliary.

In 1956, she represented her home as Miss Grayson County, beginning a lifelong love affair with her community. She was part of a beloved group of friends called “The Golden Girls” and a member of the Red Hats Society. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she served with the St. Joseph’s Altar Society and was an active member of the St. Joseph Church Prayer Chain.

Delores found happiness in the quiet moments by walking, reading, and mastering picture search puzzles. She loved dogs, holding a special place in her heart for her beloved companion, Charlie. Perhaps most famously, she lived by the philosophy that life is uncertain, so one should always start every meal with dessert.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Higdon (Artie) of Louisville and Lisa Valenti (Len) of Pittston, PA; five grandchildren, Sara Thompson, Katie Harrell (Matt), Tyler Higdon (Lindsay), Jessica Valenti and Christina Valenti; three great-grandchildren, Cole, Ellie and Logan; two sisters, Lynette Pence of Big Clifty and Beverly Harrison of Clarkson. Several nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends which she loved also survive.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Alvey and an infant son, Jeffrey Thomas Alvey.

A special thanks to the Beehive Assisted Living facility. To Bailey, Kim and all the loving and caring Beehive staff, we thank you for the care you provided Delores. Also, a special thank you to Mona Paddock for your love and support you provided Delores in the last years of her life.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, (March 24, 2026) at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Leitchfield. Father Santhosh Thomas will be officiating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until 10:45 a.m., at which time we will proceed to the church for mass.

A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00p.m Monday at the Dermitt Funeral Home.