Thursday, May 14, 2026

POCATELLO, Idaho — Lois Jean Hudson passed away on October 19, 2025, at Gables Memory Care, Pocatello, Idaho, at the age of 88. She was born July 17, 1937, in Indianola, Neb., to John and Florence Wakefield.

Lois grew up helping her parents on the farm, enjoying the luxuries of an outdoor bathroom and riding a horse to a one-room schoolhouse during the harsh Nebraska winters. Life wasn’t easy as a farmer’s daughter. Mom liked to tell us how her Dad would play gin rummy for extra money and he always knew exactly how much their grocery bill would be once they got to the cashier.

Lois met her future husband in grade school at St. Patrick’s Elementary in McCook, Neb., only to have Duke move away for a few years. They reunited in ninth grade and Lois was still enchanted with this debonair boy. As fate would have it, on a college break, Lois and Duke went on a double date. The rest, as they say, is history.

On August 22, 1959, in McCook, Neb., Duke and Lois tied the knot and there began her life-long adventure. Duke and Lois enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Duke’s job as a civil engineer took them to many places around the country: Lincoln Neb., Atlanta Ga., Helena, Mont. and Seattle, Wash. During their years together, Duke and Lois welcomed three children; Mike, Lisa and Jacqui. In the early years, Lois devoted her life, time and substantial energy to raising the kids.

Lois was dedicated to her family. But once the kids were out of the house and on their own, Lois’ “Second Act” began. Lois went from the church choir to a larger stage and audience, showing the world the performer she was born to be. Her years performing with The Choir of the Sound in Seattle allowed her to express her true passion. Ultimately, The Choir took her to the grand stage: Carnegie Hall in New York City. But Lois’ love of music and performing was not limited to the stage. She would sing and dance whenever and wherever the mood struck — whether at home in the kitchen, the grocery store aisle, or the pew at church. Much to the embarrassment of her children, Lois frequently broke into song and encouraged those around her to join in. Her vivacity knew no limits.

Her love of music was eclipsed only by her love of her children and grandchildren. By being herself, Lois taught her loved ones how to live life to its fullest and to embrace the unknown. She traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Alaska. She and Duke enjoyed winters in Arizona and family in Florida. Lois’ creativity extended beyond singing. She loved to entertain and bake. Baking was her love language. She enjoyed making the kids/grandkids Baked Alaska— with their favorite ice cream — and innumerable sweets and delectables. Grandma’s recipes are treasured and passed down through the generations. Her sausage bread ring is a perennial favorite for the holidays and family get-togethers.

Despite her petite size, Lois was fierce. She wasn’t afraid of a challenge or to speak her mind, though appropriately tempered for the audience. Lois was a moral compass — a bougie grandma loved by all. Lois’ farm girl strength, determination and deep faith was a positive influence to all who knew her. While gone in body, her spirit remains in our hearts.

Lois is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David “Duke” Hudson. She is survived by her siblings, Mary Ellen, Patricia & Charles, her children Mike (Dani) Hudson, Lisa (Rob) Bazant and Jacqueline (Chris) Hudson, her beloved grandchildren Katlynn (Bryan), Lynsee (Deryk), RyLee (Kaigen), Haley and John, great grandchildren Roman, Rowan, Gianna, August, and Oliver and many extended family friends. Lois’ family would like to thank the staff at Gables Memory Care in Pocatello, Idaho, for the love, attention and care given to Lois during the final three years she graced this earth. Lois will be missed by so many.... We love you. Always.

A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 North Ewing Street, Helena, Mont. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at noon. As is fitting of our Bougie mother/grandmother’s life, the celebration of life will be held at The Original Montana Club, 24 West 6th Avenue, Helena, Mont. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.