Betty Ann

Hudson

Betty Ann Hudson, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Minneapolis, Kansas, surrounded by her family.

Betty was born on January 4, 1935, on a farm near Concordia, Kansas, to Arthur Archie and Leota (Bland) Swaim. She was their only child.

Betty began her education at Cottonwood, a one-room rural schoolhouse located 13 miles south of Concordia, where she completed the eighth grade. She continued her education at Concordia High School while working at Duckwall's. Following her graduation in 1952, she worked for Kansas Power and Light. The friendships she formed with her high school classmates remained strong throughout her lifetime, with many staying in touch for decades.

In 1956, Betty married Carl E. Noyes, and together they welcomed three children. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1970, she married Paul Hudson. Life brought unexpected challenges, and at the age of 39, Betty found herself raising infant twins as a single mother. With determination, strength, and perseverance, she embraced the responsibility of raising her children.

In 1977, Betty returned to college at Emporia State University, where she earned a degree in Sociology. Throughout her career, she held several positions, including employment at the Job Service Center and Homer B. Reed in Hays. Betty was especially passionate about helping women in need and devoted much of her time to supporting women through the Domestic Violence Program. Her compassion and desire to make a difference in the lives of others were an important part of who she was.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Archie Swaim and Leota (Bland) Ruder.

Survivors include her children, Artis Perret and husband Steve of Wellsville, KS, Carl L. Noyes and wife Marcia of Oberlin, KS, Keith Noyes and wife Julie of Concordia, KS, Brenda Stecklein and husband Todd of Hays, KS, and Bradley Hudson and wife Michelle of Wichita, KS; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In accordance with Betty's wishes, cremation has been chosen, and her urn will be buried beside her mother in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia. No formal memorial services will be held. The family plans to gather privately at a later date to remember, honor, and celebrate her life.

Betty loved the Lord Jesus and carried her faith close to her heart. She often shared the comforting words, "Angels around you," with those she loved—a simple but meaningful reminder of her faith and her wish for God's protection over her family and friends. Those words will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that Betty is now at peace, home with Jesus, and surrounded by the angels she so often spoke of.