Hester Ruth Dudley

Hester Ruth Dudley,December 9, 1924 to March 20, 2015. Hester Ruth was born on December 9, 1924, in Rockwall, Texas, to Hester & Ruby Faye Huse. She had one sister, Anna Faye, who died during childbirth, so Hester grew up as an only child. She married the love of her life, Buck Dudley, when she was 15 and he was 24. She would tell this story of their courtship and love with a smile on her face as she explained that they had to elope to Oklahoma where she could marry without parental consent. After marrying, they lived in Denison, Texas and their family began to grow. Shortly after the birth of their third son, they moved to Houston. Altogether they had 5 sons. In 1957, Buck suddenly died in a work-related accident. Her love for Buck has never faded, even after his death she spoke fondly of him and missed him to her last day. After Buck’s passing, Hester went back to school and received her nursing certification and served as an LVN for many years as a Labor & Delivery nurse. Hester actually assisted in the delivery of all but one of her 13 grandchildren.

She was around fast cars all her life. After she was married, there were always fast cars of family members showing up outside in the yard stopping by following a bootleg run. Hester knew all the parts on cars and what they did. Whenever something broke on one of the cars she was aware of what it would take to fix it. Hester enjoyed fishing and would tell tales of camping and travel with a twinkle in her eye. She loved the wonders of God’s creation and marveled at the canyons, mountains, and beautiful scenery and she truly loved to experience the outdoors. She had an unbelievable love for music and reading. She could listen to music or read for hours on end with a pleased grin of pure enjoyment across her face. Hester was preceded in death by her sister, her parents, her husband, and three of her sons: Larry Dudley, Howard Dudley, and Ralph Dudley. She is survived by two sons: H.R. Dudley and wife, Jerry; Gordon Dudley and wife, Dixie; daughters-in-laws, Sharon Dudley, and Lynn Dudley; by 13 grandchildren; and by 24 great-grandchildren.

She loved her family and they all meant so much to her. Hester also loved the Lord and had a faith that got her through the challenges she faced in life, as a single working mother with five sons. Hester will be greatly missed but she leaves us with many fond memories. We thank God for her in our lives.