Shirley Y. (Richards) Hudson

Shirley Y. (Richards) Hudson, formerly of McCook, NE, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Hays, Kansas.

Shirley was born at Palisade, Nebraska on December 19, 1923. She was the eldest of seven daughters born to Clarence Martin and Ora Inez (Miles) Richards. She lived in and around Stratton, Nebraska all her life. After attending Stratton Schools, she graduated with the class of 1941.

Shirley married Neal Hudson on May 23, 1942 in St. Francis, Kansas. As teenagers, they began farming south of Stratton on a rented half section with borrowed equipment. The determination needed to survive the depression, dust bowl, droughts and world war and the demands of labor intensive farming, gave Shirley and Neal the fortitude to become successful farmers after acquiring the old Chapman/Carmody place where they made their life and helped raise an extended family.

Her family often referred to her as the “matriarch” of a large extended family, including two children, five grandchildren and an ever growing number of great and great-great grandchildren. Shirley’s sisters’ families were frequent and welcome members of the household for family events, harvest crews, and lovers of her famous pies. Everyone was always welcome at Shirley’s table.

Among Shirley’s many activities, she developed an interest in Genealogy. Tracking her ancestors to their places of origin and documenting persons, places and events resulted in a room full of information that will delight her descendants for years to come. After retirement, she and Neal traveled around the country seeing sights and meeting people. Locating somewhat lost relatives was always a fun part of their travels.

After 96 years she was preceded to her next adventure by Neal, her husband of 78 years, her parents, parents in law, Chick and Leona Hudson, step-mother-in- law Mildred Palmer Hudson and son-in-law Earl Ward.

Also reaching heaven before her were her dear sisters, Vivian (Rich) Pierce, Wilva (Gene) Harchelroad as well as brothers-in-Law Rich Pierce, Bud Jesch, Bill Carroll, Gene Harchelroad, Keith Birks and Gaile Dunn.

Remaining are sisters, Donna Jesch, Eula Carroll, Dorothy Birks and Beverley and Neil Dailey.

She is survived by her children, Roger (Deb) Hudson, and daughter, Jean Ward and grandchildren, Jennifer (Steve) Vanderpool, Grant Hudson, Chad (Cathy) Quick, Kyle (Paula) Quick and Tisha (Nael) Samha.

Three step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren now join ten great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren who are continuing to produce a small army who will call Shirley, “Grandma”.

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins will remember Aunt Shirley forever.