Katherine Louise Dudley, 90, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on November 28, 1933, in Atchison, Kansas to the late Ralph L. Dudley and Lydia Mae Lankford.
She was a graduate of Bartlett High School, where she sowed the seeds of lifelong friendships and a commitment to education during her years as a teacher’s aide.
A proud member of the Church of Christ and follower of the Lord, she nurtured her faith and shared it through her actions, embodying Christian virtues of kindness and compassion.
She found serenity and satisfaction in tending to her plants and flowers. Katherine enjoyed going to garage sales, looking for unique finds that she could gift to loved ones or incorporate into her home. She also enjoyed playing bingo, where her competitive but always friendly spirit shone through, and visiting the casino, where she enjoyed the thrill of the game.
Katherine was a vibrant spirit, a loving matriarch, and a go-getter who approached each day with contagious enthusiasm. She will be remembered for her ability to connect with and positively influence those around her. She brought many people into her heart and her home. She touched the lives beyond her immediate family and extended kindness to every person she encountered.
Katherine's life was not without its hardships, having been preceded in death by her daughters, Janetta Dudley and Trella Dudley-Ide, as well as her parents. Yet, her resilience in the face of loss only further highlighted the depth of her love and her commitment to her family. She leaves behind a legacy in her extensive family, which includes her adored children, Donald Dudley, Yvetta Perrault (Russell), John Dudley, William Dudley, Jacqueline Briggs, Maurice Dudley, Marlene Haskell (Brian), Donna Dudley, Kathleen Overmiller (Jay), Kenton Dudley, Guyetta Dudley, Lisa Hughes, Heath Dudley (Maureen), Brian Dudley and Robert Clark.
Her life's joy was also reflected in her many grandchildren, Tony Johnson, Danielle McGaughy, Roy Dudley, Aric Anderson, Tonia Dudley, Tiffany Dudley, Tisha Dudley, Shauna Dudley, John Dudley Jr., Jessica Dial, Christopher Turner, Tasha Williams, Sarah Williams, Shawn Gann, Tamika Wilson, Derek Dudley, Darrin Dudley, Leslie Morrow (Rudy), Darius Briggs (Crystal Stapleton), Keara Dudley, Annabelle Dudley, Michael Hayes, Marcus Hayes, Jason Mudd, LaFonna Bojorquez, Maurice Dudley, Michael Merritt, Tylesia Merritt, Doug Dudley, Marko Dudley, Shauntessa Wilbon (Darryl), Laressa Dudley, Jasmine Seaberry, Jalessa Blakley, Lario "L.B." Dudley, Alexis Bates, Jada Bates, Maddyson Schultz, Brennan Schultz, Breanna Dudley, Devin Prater, Elfonso Dudley, Ravene Cruse, Kali Fluke, and Kaleb Hill; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Along with her niece Deborah Dudley, son-in-law David Ide, and the many more relatives, friends, and community members whose lives she touched.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 27, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 26, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
