Marleen Kay (Hudson) King

Marleen Kay (Hudson) King, known to all who loved her as Kay, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on August 9, 1945, in Springfield, she lived a life marked by boundless energy, sharp intellect, and a generous spirit that touched everyone around her.

Kay was the daughter of the late John S. Hudson and the late Verna (Pat) Hudson. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1963, where she was a proud member of the state champion cheerleading team. She went on to earn a degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Immediately after graduation, her adventurous spirit led her on an extended journey through Europe with her dear friend, Penny Wallon, igniting a lifelong love of travel that would take her to Africa, Russia, the Amazon River and many other destinations around the world with her husband.

Upon returning to the United States, Kay began her professional career at St. John's Hospital, the Springfield School District, and Doctors Hospital. She later became a consultant for local nursing homes, training aides and teaching proper coding for services, work that significantly increased their revenues. On September 23, 1972, she married her long-time high school friend, N. Richard King, in Springfield.

In 1978, the family moved to Portland, Oregon, where Kay worked for the Visiting Nurse Association and became actively involved in the Portland Junior League and Westminster Presbyterian Church. After returning to Springfield in 1986, she dedicated herself to the Hope School Board of Directors and later their Foundation, serving a remarkable 23 years in total.

Kay was very involved in the family business King Technology, Inc., where she was the majority stockholder and President, and was responsible for winning lucrative projects. She obtained the Illinois certification as Women Owned Enterprise (BEP) and obtained the WBEN (National Women’s Business Enterprise) Certification in 2015.

Kay's remarkable energy and sharp intellect also led her from physical therapy into real estate, where she redeveloped seven houses, one office building, and three apartments in Chicago's Gold Coast, along with properties in Rio Hondo, Texas, including her parents' home, the house next door, and a home on the Arroyo Colorado River. She possessed an exceptional design aesthetic, and her talents extended to her kitchen, where she was a celebrated cook and legendary hostess known for throwing unforgettable parties filled with music, laughter, and warmth.

She is survived by her devoted husband, N. Richard King; her daughter, Kimberly King; her sons, Isaac Seaborn King and Micah Richard King, grandchildren, Kalvin King and Lola King, Nieces and Nephews, Kelly (Jeff) Drobny, Kevin (Manda) King, Emily Hudson, Kristopher (Maredith) King, and Kyle (Suzanne) King. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John B. Hudson and brother-in-law, Charles (Bud) King.

May she rest in God's eternal peace.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family will host a Celebration of Life that will be announced at a later date.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.