Kathryn Gail Hudgins, 76, of Valparaiso passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025. She was born April 7, 1949, in Valparaiso to Rick & Stella Lawrence and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1967. Kathy made her career for 37 years as a medical secretary at Lakeshore Bone & Joint working with Dr. Thoma and retiring simultaneously in 2021. While there she became the “go to” employee known as the “Answer Lady”. She enjoyed activities at the Valparaiso YMCA with her dear friends, especially her jazzercise classes, doted on the parade of dogs that made her house their home over the decades, and loved her Lord Jesus Christ. Early in her marriage Kathy moved to Griesheim, Germany with Ken to help fulfill his duties with the U.S. Air Force where she taught pre-school Sunday school classes with Ken and became payroll manager for the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. Her world travels with her sweetheart created enduring treasured memories.
On November 23, 1968 she married her high school sweetheart Kenneth Hudgins who survives along with their children: Shawn (Jodi) Hudgins of South Carolina, Kimberly (Joshua) Bagnall of Wheatfield & Heather (Nathan) Alexander of LaPorte, brother, Craig (Angela) Lawrence, grandchildren: Madison & Colin Hudgins, Emma (Austin) Darnell, Elyse & Easton Bagnall, Haley & Cynthia Alexander, Hannah (Blake) Kretschmar, and great-grandchildren, Blayke & Savannah. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held Monday, September 15th from 3 – 7 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, 10:30 am at Chesterton First United Methodist Church, 434 S. Second St. with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
GUESTBOOK
My condolences to her loving family. -Debi (Robinson) McColley
My heart goes out to you with love, hugs, and prayers! My deepest condolences to you and your family! -Jeanine McElfresh
Arlene Beldon won't be able to attend the visitation today, but she wanted to express her condolences to the family. Arlene was close friends with Kathryn's mother, Stella. Prayers for the family from Arlene, age 96, and her daughter Bonnie. -Bonnie Lynn Weitzel
Kathy you will be missed! I will cherish all the memories at LBJI and the kindness you showed everyone. Rest in peace my friend and I will see you again in Heaven. -Kimberly J Messer
Ken, our hearts are heavy this day but our prayers are with you and your family. Ardie and I are sorry that we will not be able to be with you for the celebration of Kathy's life but we do know that you will be surrounded with family and dear friends and love. Peace to you today and all the days of your life. -Ardie and Jim Nelson
Our hearts are heavy with grief over the loss of Kathy. I loved her like a close friend. So sorry I missed attending do to being out of town. Our prayers are sent to you Ken and family as you get through this most difficult time. Kathy will be greatly missed. With love and prayers, -Vanessa and Leon Bland.
