Barbara J. Hudson

Barbara was a devoted and loving mother to Janice (Edward) Peters, Brian (Karen) Hudson, and Dale (Christine) Hudson. She was a cherished grandmother to Neil (Jeni) Hudson, Scott (Clare) Hudson, Matthew Smith, Laura Gray, Megan (Brandon) Brassfield, and Brooke (Nicholas Rhodes) Hudson, and a proud great-grandmother to Brayden Carter, Henry Hudson, Hannah Hudson, and Nolan Hudson. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Dorris Ruffe and Estelle (Leslie) Dietzman.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 59 cherished years, Walter Hudson; her parents, Emmette and Clara Yates; and her brother-in-law, Richard Ruffe.

Barbara lived a life rich with creativity, curiosity, and connection. She had a lifelong love of the arts and found great joy in making silk floral arrangements, carefully designing each piece with patience and an eye for detail. She also enjoyed working with ceramics and spent many hours creating and firing her pieces using her own kiln at home, where she could fully immerse herself in the creative process. In her younger years, Barbara was an avid bowler, a pastime she truly loved and one that reflected her competitive spirit and sense of fun.

That love of bowling stayed with her throughout her life. While residing at Waltonwood Senior Living, Barbara enthusiastically joined the Xbox bowling league, embracing the activity with humor and determination. She looked forward to league play and proudly celebrated her team’s championship victories in both 2025 and 2026, accomplishments that brought her a great sense of pride and joy.

In addition to her creative hobbies, Barbara had a love of music and for a time served as the organist at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, sharing her talent simply for the enjoyment of playing. She was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star, where she valued the sense of fellowship and tradition.

Funeral visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the same location. The family extends an invitation to a Memorial Dinner after the service at One Under, 35780 Five Mile Road, #2, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Dinner will be served at 5:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Barbara will be remembered for her creativity, her willingness to try new things at every stage of life, and the quiet joy she found in the activities she loved.