Obituary for Leta Hudkins (Gregory)
Leta (Gregory) Hudkins, 96, of Sutton, WV was called home to heaven on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 3:03 a.m. at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV following complications with her heart. Leta was born in Caress, WV on February 2, 1924 to the late Luther Gregory who proceeded her in death in January of 1956 and the late Dora (Hamilton) Gregory who also preceded her in death in December of 1970. On April 9, 1949 Leta married the late Charles "Ted" Hudkins who proceeded her in death on August 16, 1987. Also proceeding her in death are siblings: Verna Grimm, Ann Browning, Erie Robinson, infant sister Gay Gregory, Guy Gregory, George Gregory, Jack Gregory, Lane Gregory, Laco Gregory, Garl Gregory, Earl Gregory and Harry Gregory. Leta was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Leta is survived by daughter: Sandra J. Bright and husband Dennis of Flatwoods, WV; grandson: Matthew J. Bright and wife Sandra of Buckhannon, WV; granddaughter: Megan J. Payne and husband Carl of Fraziers Bottom, WV; great-grandchildren: Charles Josiah Bright of Fairmont, WV, Teeghan Jean Payne and Avery Clark Payne of Fraziers Bottom, WV and several nieces and nephews.
During World War II, Leta served the country and was a Rosie the Riveter. Leta and her late husband, Ted, owned and operated the Hudkins Grocery Store in Hacker Valley, WV. She was a great cook and known for her spaghetti and Mexican food that she learned to make while living in California. She also enjoyed organizing and cooking at numerous ramp dinners and volunteering at the Hacker Valley Senior Citizens Center in Hacker Valley, WV for many years. Until Leta downsized and moved to Sutton, WV in 2008, she maintained her house, a large garden and performed all of the mowing and landscaping by herself. She was also quite artistic and was able to sketch, make jewelry, and sew quilts. Leta was an active member of Shiloh Fellowship Church in Gassaway, WV. Leta loved the Lord and her favorite hymn was “I’ll Fly Away.” Leta and her daughter, Sandy, would visit each other frequently and enjoyed each other’s fellowship. Leta loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and was always eager for them to visit. Leta enjoyed calling her great-granddaughter, Teeghan who is 7 years old, and reading her stories.
No matter the occasion, Leta was fashionably dressed and accessorized with matching jewelry, shoes, a scarf, and always had her nails painted. Family and friends were always happy to hear her stories and how things have changed throughout the years. Despite her age, Leta was feisty, of sound mind and enjoyed making her great-grandchildren pumpkin and chocolate pies.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home located at 378 Flatwoods Corner Road, Flatwoods, WV 26621 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to reminisce, grieve and most importantly to keep Leta’s legacy alive. Following visitation, funeral services will be held in the Stockert-Paletti Funeral Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Eric Veltre officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hebron Cemetery (Lough Church Cemetery) in Sutton, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Mt. Hebron Cemetery: Attention: Helena Linger, 410 Vernon Road, Sutton, WV 26621.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories can be shared with the Hudkins family at Stockert-Paletti.com.
Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home of Flatwoods, WV will be serving the family of Leta Hudkins in their time of need. The Bright and Payne families would like to extend our gratitude to all the friends in the area that cared about Leta and treated her like family. Leta was a pillar in the community and will be greatly missed by all.
Leta is survived by daughter: Sandra J. Bright and husband Dennis of Flatwoods, WV; grandson: Matthew J. Bright and wife Sandra of Buckhannon, WV; granddaughter: Megan J. Payne and husband Carl of Fraziers Bottom, WV; great-grandchildren: Charles Josiah Bright of Fairmont, WV, Teeghan Jean Payne and Avery Clark Payne of Fraziers Bottom, WV and several nieces and nephews.
During World War II, Leta served the country and was a Rosie the Riveter. Leta and her late husband, Ted, owned and operated the Hudkins Grocery Store in Hacker Valley, WV. She was a great cook and known for her spaghetti and Mexican food that she learned to make while living in California. She also enjoyed organizing and cooking at numerous ramp dinners and volunteering at the Hacker Valley Senior Citizens Center in Hacker Valley, WV for many years. Until Leta downsized and moved to Sutton, WV in 2008, she maintained her house, a large garden and performed all of the mowing and landscaping by herself. She was also quite artistic and was able to sketch, make jewelry, and sew quilts. Leta was an active member of Shiloh Fellowship Church in Gassaway, WV. Leta loved the Lord and her favorite hymn was “I’ll Fly Away.” Leta and her daughter, Sandy, would visit each other frequently and enjoyed each other’s fellowship. Leta loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and was always eager for them to visit. Leta enjoyed calling her great-granddaughter, Teeghan who is 7 years old, and reading her stories.
No matter the occasion, Leta was fashionably dressed and accessorized with matching jewelry, shoes, a scarf, and always had her nails painted. Family and friends were always happy to hear her stories and how things have changed throughout the years. Despite her age, Leta was feisty, of sound mind and enjoyed making her great-grandchildren pumpkin and chocolate pies.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home located at 378 Flatwoods Corner Road, Flatwoods, WV 26621 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to reminisce, grieve and most importantly to keep Leta’s legacy alive. Following visitation, funeral services will be held in the Stockert-Paletti Funeral Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Eric Veltre officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hebron Cemetery (Lough Church Cemetery) in Sutton, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Mt. Hebron Cemetery: Attention: Helena Linger, 410 Vernon Road, Sutton, WV 26621.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories can be shared with the Hudkins family at Stockert-Paletti.com.
Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home of Flatwoods, WV will be serving the family of Leta Hudkins in their time of need. The Bright and Payne families would like to extend our gratitude to all the friends in the area that cared about Leta and treated her like family. Leta was a pillar in the community and will be greatly missed by all.