Alva Ruth Menser Hudson, 91, of Mansfield, Texas left this life on July 10, 2025, surrounded by family. She had a deep affection for her family, whom she cherished almost as much as being on Facebook.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at East Hill Cemetery in Roff, OK. Rev. Steve Wilburn will officiate.
Alva, daughter of Eunice Jefferson and Ruth Nell Menser, loving wife of Keith Paul Hudson, was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma and moved where her family took her as her dad was a Pentecostal Preacher. She lived her life for her family and extended family, visiting every chance to keep everyone close, bringing a lifetime of memories.
Alva lived independently until February of this year when her health began to decline, needing care but never losing her spunk. She moved to Highlands Senior Living Center in Mansfield, cared for by an amazing staff, making more friends than she had in her previous lifetime. She touched many hearts with her infectious smile and never lost her beauty.
She married Keith on April 16, 1948 at the age of 14, with their marriage lasting 62 years until he passed in July 2010. Alva is survived by her children Lowell Keith Hudson and wife Maury, Rebecca Lynn Gregory and husband JR, Vikki Lee Windham and husband Bill, Paul Dwight (predeceased) sister Neva Hughes of Ada, OK, 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She loved to crappie fish with Keith, and as a family, spent many weekends and summers camping together at Devils Den, imprinting a love for the outdoors and camping in all of her children. Even as grown adults, her children and grandchildren would have family camping trips to various parks and lakes. She avidly worked the FW Star Telegram crossword puzzle every day, including the NYT crossword puzzle and word scramble. She taught her daughters to cook, sew, and do crafts. She was very organized and instilled this practice in her children who are particular about cleanliness and organization (which we really appreciate to this day).
She loved feeding hummingbirds and could name many species of birds by their call. Maybe soon we’ll feel her presence and love when she comes to us as a red cardinal. We love you Mama, and will carry your memory in our hearts. As we say our final goodbyes today, we promise to keep your memory alive, not with tears of sorrow, but with a zest for life that would make you proud. Though our hearts are aching, we find strength in the countless memories we shared together. Rest in peace Mama.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
