Linda Hudson

Linda was born into the Helfer family and throughout her life carried the names Lacy and Kell before becoming Hudson. Each chapter of her journey reflected her resilience, devotion, and the love she shared with those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Hudson; her daughter, Kimberly Woods (née Lacy, formerly Barrett); her son-in-law, Gregory Woods; and her beloved granddaughter, Destinee Hope Woods. She is also survived by her dear friend and “sister” of more than 60 years, Brenda Dianne Willis, and another dear friend and “sister” of nearly 50 years, Barbara Johnson. Linda was also a loving aunt to quite a few nieces and nephews, including Shawn Helfer, Missy Roland, Colleen Althaus, Stephanie Helfer, Jason Helfer, and Shane Norris.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Mae and Patrick M. Helfer, Sr.; her sister Jean Norris; her brother Patrick M. Helfer, Jr.; her second husband, Robert L. Kell; and her dear friend and “sister” of nearly 60 years, Judy Cobb.

In her young adult years, Linda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at several nursing homes, where she cared for others with compassion and dedication. Later, she began working at the Lighthouse for the Blind in St. Louis, Missouri, where she contributed to government contracts on the assembly lines producing items such as ink pens and white-out. Linda remained at the Lighthouse for many years, eventually moving into the main office as a receptionist and later serving as assistant to Human Resources, a role in which she proudly supported both the organization and its employees with kindness and professionalism.

Linda was also a long-time fan of Reba McEntire and Andy Williams, often taking her daughter with her to concerts. Music brought her joy, and those shared experiences became treasured memories for her family. She was equally devoted to cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, faithfully supporting her team through both the highs of winning seasons and the lows of difficult seasons. For over 30 years, she enjoyed and was an avid bowler, bowling with the St. Louis Railrollers, a bowling league comprised of blind, partially sighted and fully sighted bowlers. Linda will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the lasting impact she had on her family and community. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Services will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander White-Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann, Missouri. Interment will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in St. Ann, Missouri.