Royda Hughes (nee Jaques) became a national symbol for the Army's recruitment drive when she appeared in promotional posters and a short film in the early 1950s.

In Bathurst on Monday the community paid its last respects to Sergeant Major Royda Hughes at a moving funeral service at St Barnabas' Church.

As a lone piper played, tributes flowed for Ms Hughes while her sister Margo relived what life was like for a family raised during the Great Depression.

More than 200 mourners heard about Ms Hughes' association with local families including the Burkes, Turnbulls, Ropers and her love of horses and the land.

After completing her education at Bathurst High School Ms Hughes joined the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps in 1951, becoming one of the first women to be posted to the Royal Military College at Duntroon.

In 1953 she received her greatest accolade when she was selected to join a contingent representing Australia at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom.

After leaving the Army Ms Hughes worked with the NSW Public Service, becoming the first departmental spokesperson for women in the Western Region.

She was also a member of many local organisations - Ladies' Probus, Country Women's Association, foundation/charter president of the Bathurst Business and Professional Women's Club and founding secretary of Bathurst Ex Services Women's Group, to name a few.

Ms Hughes, who died after a short battle with leukaemia last Thursday week, told her doctors shortly before passing away that: “I've had a marvellous life, travelled widely and met a lot of very interesting people. Things most people only dream about.”

She is survived by sister Margo Jaques-Watson, niece Blythe and nephew David.

Vale Royda Hughes.