Saundra Sue Shanks Hudson, 79, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Eldorado, Texas. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
One of her greatest treasures in this life was being “Mamaw.” Sue was born in Decatur, Texas, to Elbert Joel and Lodema Viola Saunders Shanks on December 12, 1944.
As the youngest of four siblings, Sue grew up in Bridgeport, Texas. She married Johnny Ray Hudson of Paradise, Texas, on September 5, 1961, living most of their married life and raising their children Karen and Keith in Paradise before moving to Sonora, Texas, in 2016.
The owner of Main Street Salon, she was a successful hairdresser for over 40 years. Upon her retirement, the Paradise City Council proclaimed that April 20, 2015, would be declared “Sue Hudson Day” in Paradise, Texas.
Part of the proclamation reads, “Whereas, many customers have said that Sue is talented and wonderful with her skills but also kind, considerate, accommodating and a compassionate listener. She has developed life-long friendships due to both her friendliness and professionalism.”
A wonderful homemaker, she loved to cook and could throw together a meal for any friend or cowboy who may stop by to visit. She loved planting flowers while feeding and watching the hummingbirds. A self-taught seamstress, she crocheted many afghans for friends and family and, later in life, took up quilting and loved spending time with friends learning to quilt. Even though she was no cowgirl, she never missed a night in the practice pen turning out calves for Johnny and was always there to cheer on Karen and Keith in whatever they were participating in. Those who knew her well loved her laughter and sense of humor.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, brother Gene Shanks and wife Belle, sister Joanne Beneke and husband Bob, sister Jackie Davis and husband Floyd, and in-laws Elmer and Utoka Hudson.
Those left to cherish her memory are husband Johnny, daughter Karen Rabon and husband Rabe of Okeechobee, Florida; son Keith and wife Anita of Sonora, Texas; grandson John Duke Hudson and wife Gentry of Wall, Texas; granddaughter Raychel Rabon of Gainesville, Florida; and grandson Word Hudson and wife Anda of Sonora, Texas; great-grandsons Kasen, Gene, Mitchel and Balch; brother and sister-in-law James and Sharron Hudson of Denton, Texas; as well as her nieces and their extended families.
A memorial service will be held for Sue on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Brushy Top Cowboy Church, 5424 US-277, Eldorado, Texas.
The family would like to thank the staff of Schleicher County Nursing Home and Hospice of San Angelo for the excellent care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.
