Mary Lou Hudson (nee Broderson) passed away peacefully at home with her daughters by her side on Sept. 29, 2024. She joins her husband Val, son Larry, granddaughter Monica, and several other relatives who are all, surely, enjoying their heavenly family reunion.
Mary Lou was born at home in Vernon, Texas. She was the fourth of six children. She attended and graduated from Electra, Texas public schools. She attended one year at North Texas State University and then married Marvin “Val” Hudson and became a wife.
When unemployment struck due to the boom-and-bust cycle of the oil fields, Val went to San Manuel, AZ and obtained employment with Magma Copper Co. When he had saved money and housing was available, Mary Lou joined him with their two-month-old daughter.
Mary Lou gave birth to her two other children in San Manuel. She was a dutiful mother who assured church attendance and participated in several organizations in the community. In 1973, she gained employment with Magma Copper and worked as a laborer developing a variety of skills such as gardening, heavy equipment operation, smelter work.
They bought property in Lakeside, Arizona and escaped the desert heat at every opportunity. She welcomed nine grandchildren into the world and then 10 great-grandchildren, Emily, Kiana, Jocelyn, Juliana, Kira, Marcus, Brooklyn, Gabriel, James, and Booker.
After the death of her husband, Mary Lou met Tom Stevenson of Oracle, Arizona who became a cherished and steady companion until her death.
Survivors include daughters, Sonya Justice (Dennis) and Janet Gutierrez (Victor); daughter-in-law, Mary Hudson; grandchildren, Kristina Gutierrez, Stefanie Estrada (Luis), Miranda Gutierrez (Bryce), Brennan Justice, Connor Justice, Gabriel Hudson (Ana), David Hudson (JaNet) and Jennifer Orzo (Scott); 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Glenda Hooker and Jackie Youngborg of Wichita Falls, Texas. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be on Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in San Manuel. Pastor Jeff Dixon, a dear friend and pastor, will officiate. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Elk Club at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Community Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.