Greta Joan Hudler

Greta Joan Hudler passed away on March 20, 2024. She was born in Jackson, Michigan on January 4, 1931 to Harold and Ethel (McCrickett) Gibson. She attended Jackson High School, where she was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1949, following in her mother's footsteps, who held the same honor in 1928. This legacy continued with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth, who became Jackson High's Valedictorian in 1988, along with two of her grandchildren—Katherine Riley and John Riley— all sources of great pride for Greta. After high school, Greta went on to attend Jackson Junior College and Michigan State University. She married Donald Hudler in 1952 and they raised nine children here in Jackson. While raising her children, she supported her community through involvement with the Junior Dorcas Society, the Girl Scouts, and the Civitan Club. She spearheaded preparing and serving food at the Interfaith Shelter with fellow Civitan members, ultimately receiving a Lifetime Member Award and a scholarship in her name for special needs students.

Greta had an endearing competitive spirit and loved playing tennis and besting her daughters and grandchildren at arm-wrestling. She excelled at Debate in high school and this skill, in addition to her innate sense of humor, carried over in her lively conversations with her loved ones. She was always on top of every political issue and followed the news daily. But her greatest quality was her selfless devotion to her children and grandchildren. She would have walked through fire for any of them, and literally walked countless miles to see and support them. (She never wanted nor obtained a driver's license.) From late-night help with essays to attending every sporting event, she was always there for them. Her example of unconditional love for her family will live on through them.

Greta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Gretchen Hilden, and her granddaughters Jacqueline and Melissa Hilden. She is survived by her brother Dr. John Gibson (Texie); her children: Donna Riley (Jay Johnson), Kurt Hudler, Karen Cummings (Thomas), Matthew Hudler (Sharon), John Hudler, Heidi Hudler (Richard Stone), William Hudler, and Dr. Elizabeth Hudler (Dr. Fadi Nicolas); her grandchildren: Katherine Riley (Phil Wall), Dr. Philip Riley IV (Kendra), Dr. John Riley (Alison), David Riley (Daniel Rua), Dr. Emily Cummings, Thomas Cummings, Maria Cummings (Jake Drummond), Kimberly Crockett (Paul), Allison Wainright (Bretton), Brenna Stone, Joseph Nicolas and Zeina Nicolas; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

In accordance with Greta's wishes, her body was donated to The University of Michigan Medical School.

We share very heartfelt gratitude to her son William for his years of selfless devotion and care. And most recently, appreciation to the staff (especially Cheryl) at Allegra Nursing and Rehab for their kindness and care. Family and friends will gather this summer to remember and honor her.

Those who wish may direct memorial contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Ste. 150, Bingham Farms, Michigan, 48025.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years