Marcella Elaine Hudgens

July 1, 1934 - February 26, 2026

Marcella Elaine (Stewart) Hudgens, 91, of Lafayette passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 1,1934, in Hagerstown, Indiana to the late Eugene and Letha Stewart.

Marcella graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1952 and attended business school in Dayton, OH. On October 20, 1956, she married Lawrence Hudgens in a double wedding ceremony in Hagerstown, IN. She worked at the Aeronautics School at Purdue University and met some of the early astronauts. After 15 years as a stay-at-home Mom, she returned to work at Lafayette Life Insurance and retired after 23 years. Upon retirement, she and Larry moved to Inverness, Florida where they enjoyed 13 years of playing golf, bike riding, shopping, and spending time with friends. They returned to the Lafayette area in 2010 to be closer to family.

Surviving are her 4 children, Sandra Hudgens (Diana Holloway), John Hudgens (Denise Hudgens), Connie Dildine (Mike Dildine), and Brenda Metzger (Jason Metzger); 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Freese, and sister-in-law Carol Hudgens. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and 2 brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to thank Creasy Springs Legacy and Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Marcella. A private graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions can be made to Franciscan Hospice Care Lafayette at 1505 Hartford Street, Suite G525, Lafayette, IN 47904 or www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/franciscan-giving.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Diana

Barb & Jackie Burrows

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Marcella Elaine (Stewart) Hudgens, 91, of Lafayette passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 1,1934, in Hagerstown, Indiana to the late Eugene and Letha Stewart. Marcella graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1952 and attended business school in Dayton, OH. On October 20, 1956, sheContinue Reading

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I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many good memories of our childhood at Grandma Stewart's house for family gatherings. She and Betty were a little older than me and I looked up to them. In later years, we met in Florida and made memories with our husbands. Marcella will be missed. Sara Stewart Kenney

It is very hard when a chapter passes. Especially when it is the loss of a parent that has been there for so many years of our lives. I will always remember Marcella’s love of flowers, shopping and home grown IN tomatoes! 🍅

Our condolences to Sandy & Diana, and Sandy’s family. RIP Marcella 🙏🏻

Remembering our dear Marcella. Our hearts ache with the loss of Marcella. She was my older sister and Allen's beloved aunt. We hold tight to memories of childhood days on the farm growing up, then a double wedding and family gatherings. Kids and cousins running free and laughing. Joyful times that bonded us all. Later came the quiet retirement years with her and Larry, filled with sisterly talk and shared warmth. Though we can't be there in person now, our love remains strong. To her four wonderful children: we're thinking of you with deep affection and wishing we could share hugs and stories together. Thank you, Marcella, for the love and light you gave us. Your memory brings us comfort and peace. Rest gently, dear sister and aunt. With all our love, Betty and Allen

Peace and love to the Hudgens as they honor Marclela’s life.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy, Diana, and their family as they celebrate the live of Marcella. And what a life it must have been. Honored to give a gift in her name to Hospice for the care they provided to her and her family. A wonderful organization! Peace and solace to the Hudgens!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.