Clara Hudson

Clara M. Hudson, 86, of Newark, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014, at her residence. She was born on June 13, 1928, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late George and Clara (Spangler) Marsh. Clara was a member of the Church of the Messiah in Westerville. She enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening, crafts, crocheting, and cooking. Most of all, she loved feeding and taking care of her kids and grandkids. The center of the family, Clara was the ultimate homemaker and mother. In the fall of 1948, while attending college, Clara went on a blind date, and met a handsome young man, Raymond Hudson. Within a week, her focus quickly changed from pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher, to becoming a wife and homemaker. Eleven months later, their first child was born, the beginning of a family of six. Since Rays job at the Associated Press landed the family in several states, Clara was able to make many lasting friendships all over the country, keeping in touch through her annual Christmas card mailings. Holiday family gatherings were her favorite, especially Christmas, when her home was filled with decorations and the scent of fresh baked cookies and pies. Decorated coffee cans were packed with delicious treats, and delivered to her neighborhood friends. Clara worked at various occupations, as a teller, a real estate agent, and ending her career in the insurance field. Retirement brought her back to what she enjoyed most of all, spending time with family. She is survived by her loving family; three children: Marsha A. (Mark) Stewart, Kevin R. (Sandra) Hudson, and Carrie L. (Mark) Wilkin; five grandchildren: Raymond (Jen) Williamson, Matthew (Amanda) Hudson, Erica Hudson, Amie L. (Jeffrey) Yankey, and Kyle D. Wilkin; seven great-grandchildren: Cade Williamson, Ty Williamson, Reis Williamson, Alexus Dumas, Jeffrey Yankey,III, Hunter Yankey, and Gunner Yankey; one brother: George (Evelyn) Marsh; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, O. Raymond Hudson, who passed on November 7, 2013; her daughter, Christi L. Williamson; her son, David Hudson; one brother: Herbert Marsh; and her son-in-law, John Williamson. A graveside service, celebrating Claras life, was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at the Fairmount Cemetery in Jacksontown, officiated by Pastor Jeremy Shank. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Claras name be donated to: Licking Township Fire Association, 6800 Phil Lynn Parkway, P.O. Box 228, Jacksontown, Ohio 43030, or Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 430, Newark, OH 43058 Online condolences may be sent to www.hoskinsonfuneral.com Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, Hebron, was honored to care for the Hudson Family.