Mary Elizabeth Hudson, 92, of Erie, IL, a sweet, loving wife, mother, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Davenport Lutheran Home.
Mary was born June 17, 1926, in Newton Township, near Erie, the daughter of Harris and Martha (Burns) Slaymaker. Mary was an independent, strong-willed, country girl raised on a farm north of town, who graduated from Erie High School in 1944. She attended college in DeKalb, IL, and taught school for a short time, before working at the Erie State Bank until she married the great love of her life, Leroy J. Hudson, March 9, 1947, at United Methodist Church. Together they farmed in Newton and Fenton townships of Whiteside County. She loved music and animals and had many cherished pets. Mary had a special love for horses and was the only person capable of riding her high-spirted childhood horse, Dutchess.
She was very active as a lifelong member of the Erie United Methodist Church, from choir member, to Sunday school teacher, to serving on many committees throughout the years. Mary enjoyed gardening, playing cards with friends, doing puzzles, and watching sports (Go Cubbies!) She was in a bowling league for many years, enjoying the fellowship just as much as the bowling. When Lake Erie Country Club opened, she took up golf and was a member for several years. She was a good putter and took pride in her 5 iron, her club of choice on almost every shot. The American flag was important to her and she was always very proud to have one waving in her yard.
Above all else Mary loved her family. She taught her boys what was right and wrong and helped them grow to be good men. She selflessly always tended to the needs of others. A more caring person would be hard to find. She was greatly loved and will be fondly missed.
Those remaining to honor her memory include her sons and spouses, Tom (Cindy) Hudson, Geneseo, IL, Rich (Lisa) Hudson, De Witt, IA, John (Theresa) Hudson, Morris, IL; grandchildren, Allison Hudson, Davenport, IA, Shawn (Stephanie) Hudson, Davenport, Anne Hudson (fiancé Mitch Schneider), Morris; sister, Francis (Donald) Johnson, Moline, IL, brother-in-law, Neal (Bonnie) Hudson, Morrison, IL; sister-in-law, Arlene Hudson, Moberly, MO.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 68 years Leroy; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Ardeth Slaymaker; nephew Mark Johnson; brother-in-law Duane Hudson.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
The service will follow at noon at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Erie United Methodist Church.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.