Janat Ann Hudson, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at La Plata Nursing Home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Janat was born on February 26, 1934, in Drayton, North Dakota, to Bradley and Bessie Mae Smith. As the youngest of three daughters, she learned early the strength, resilience, and determination that would define her throughout her life. She graduated from Tombstone High School in 1952, where she was recognized for her athletic ability. Janat especially excelled in tennis, competing at the state level. An avid writer from a young age, she also spent time working for the Tombstone Epitaph.

On February 3, 1952, Janat was united in marriage to David Weldon Hudson in Tombstone, Arizona. From this union came three children: Lucinda Craggs (John) of Kirksville, Missouri; Michael Hudson (Brandie) of Abilene, Texas; and David “Buck” Hudson (Patty) of Vellinge, Sweden.

Janat was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren: Corrin Parsons (Brent) of Liberty, Missouri; Tanya Tipton (Richie) of Kirksville, Missouri; Shona Lene (Jason) of La Plata, Missouri; Kayla Western (Troy) of Greentop, Missouri; Jenny Vismark (Martin) of Copenhagen, Denmark; David Paul Hudson (Serene) of Aurora, Illinois; Samuel Hudson (Fanny) of Trelleborg, Sweden; Benjamin Hudson of Malmö, Sweden; Anna Hudson of Malmö, Sweden; Erick Hudson (Rhiannon) of Duluth, Minnesota; and David Hudson (Cherry) of Benson, Arizona.

Her family continued to grow with the addition of twenty-five cherished great-grandchildren: Noah and Collin Parsons; Camryn and Brooklynn Rouse; Jaystin and Jenna Lene; Harlee, Layne, and Nash Western; Oliver, Laura, and Jackson Tacke Vismark; David Eben and Mahalia Jade Hudson; Joshua Johnson, Hannah Peterson, and Arabella Hudson; Vanessa, Mariah, Izabel, Ava, and Ana Hudson; Dylan Moffit; and Bree Anna and Kay Lee Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Weldon Hudson; her parents, Bradley and Bessie Mae Smith; and her two sisters, Jean “Pinky” Kennedy and Joan King and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Though just over five feet tall, Janat was truly a force of nature. She was stubborn, fiercely independent, feisty, hardworking, and deeply loving. She possessed a spirit that far exceeded her stature and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Janat found joy in quilting, knitting, and caring for those she loved. Her home was often filled with the warmth of homemade meals, especially the large family dinners and homemade tamales that became a beloved family tradition. She was also wonderfully creative and a storyteller at heart. Whether sharing meaningful family memories or spinning imaginative fictional tales, Janat had a gift for captivating those around her. The love Janat gave, the traditions she created, and the stories she shared will remain with her family always.

Though she will be deeply missed, Janat’s memory will continue to bring comfort, laughter, and love for generations to come.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Novelty Cemetery under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home. Lunch for family and friends will follow at Travis Noe Family Center.