Gwen Hudgens

Marjoree Gwen Hudgens, known affectionately as Gwen, Gwennie, Momma, MeMa, Ma and Grandma to those who loved her, passed away on February 13, 2025.

Gwen was born on August 30, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT. She lived in the Salt Lake City area for 68 years. She then moved to the Ogden area and spent 10 years there, close to her daughter.

Gwen embraced life with a compassionate, generous, loving, and thoughtful spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all those she encountered. Her life was a living example of a Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Gwen’s journey took her from Salt Lake City to Ogden, Utah, where she spent her final ten years. Her professional life was one of dedication and accomplishment. During high school, she worked at Don Carlos, which she remembered fondly. After graduating from South High School in 1964, she embarked on a career that saw her working at OC Tanner, Parker packing, and Sperry before settling into her role as a shipping manager with Franklin Institute. She held this position at several companies, including Viking, and Maxtec. Gwen loved shipping and treasured her interactions with customers. She was an active participant in her community and loved dancing, playing guitar, playing on a bowling league and played Bonco for many, many years.

Beyond her professional and community involvement, Gwen was known for her varied hobbies and interests. She was a lover of all things cosmic, her passion for astronomy lead her to spend nights stargazing in places that often scared even her. A lover of nature, Gwen also enjoyed collecting rocks and was thrilled to know she was actually touching a real volcano in Santa Clara Utah. She liked exploring native American cultures. She was an avid reader of horror books, a keen watcher of crime TV, and a gifted craftswoman. Gwen's love for animals was unmatched; she was especially fond of her cat, Smudge whom she lost 10 years ago, and Marsi's dog, Shadow, who she always called Baby Dolly. He was always so excited to see his grandma.

As her 2 kids were growing up, life was never easy for her, but she made sure that we were good. She even took in many of our childhood friends and our home was always the safe place to be. She didn't have much, but she made sure to feed the lot of us and our friends, never turning anyone away. In doing so, she affectionately became ma and mama Gwen to the neighborhood kids. Her love knew no blood line... she simply loved.

Gwen’s life was guided by a deep-seated spirituality. She believed in God and looked forward to reuniting with those who had gone before her and learning the secrets of the afterlife. Her faith was rooted in a commitment to treating everyone kindly and compassionately. She was a beacon of love and generosity, known for always finding the good side of things and sharing her love of people in the way she treated others. This was evident in the fond way she spoke of most of the care staff at The Terrace at Mt. Ogden, and her deep respect for her former doctor, Joshua Hansen, who always had time to spend with her and answer all her questions, before he left for additional training. Her favorite RN, Bryant Rupe, made her days at dialysis tolerable, until he left for better opportunities. She also adored her therapists Matt and Mark at the Terrace.

Darren was always making sure her favorite ice cream was in the fridge and snuck it to her. It was their joke. She could finish that pint in the time it took her daughter to shower and Marsi would always ask how she was able to finish an entire pint that fast. She'd respond, I only ate half, but my half was at the bottom. One of her favorite stories to tell was of her son, Matt. He was always goofing around and had visited her at the hospital years ago and to hear her tell it, he jacked up the hospital bed clear to the ceiling and she was afraid the doctor would walk in. A special thank you to all that truly cared for and about her. She will be sorely missed as we try to navigate this life with out her.

Gwen is survived by her children, Marsi Hicks and Matt (Val) Hudgens; her brother, Robin (Linda) Cheel; her grandchildren, Autumn Hicks, Serah Hicks, Hunter (Breanna) Hicks, and their father, Todd Hicks. Grandchildren Milo Shaw, Nova Hudgens, Sophia Gray, Olivia Gray; her new great-granddaughter, Ellowyn Grace Monson; her step-son, Mark Mitchell and special ex sister-in-law Susan Carlson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jewell Cheel and Dorothy McPhail Pierce; her step-father, Ernie Pierce; her baby sister Beckygene Cheel; her brother, Danny Cheel; her step-sons Damon Hudgens, Timmy Mitchell, Harry Mitchell; and Mario Cabezas and her ex-husband, Jerry Hudgens, whom was the love of her life.

Also survived by cousins and many friends... Darren Johnson, who was always fixing, moving, doing things to help make her life easier, advocating for her and sneaking her treats. Leslie Rodriguez, who was her close friend and helped her through so much. There was Tim Richmond, who visited her and made her laugh even if it hurt. Mark Williams who gave her a blessing and had known her over 40 years. David Garza who often hosted family get-togethers in years past and called her grandma. Sharlene, Joanie, Mikey, Matt, Mark, Bryant, Joy, Denise, James... the list is endless... like our love for her.

Her memory will live on in the many friends who loved her. Leslie Rodriguez was her battle buddy at dialysis for a while and they loved one another like sisters. The first day Gwen started dialysis, Leslie offered her a blanket because she didn't take one, not knowing what to expect. Gwen adored Marsi's neighbors Pancho and Alma Madrigal. He was a good friend that always made her laugh and checked on her when she was at the house and we were away. There are just so many that we're not able to mention, but she loved you all.

Gwen’s life was a testament to the power of love, generosity, kindness and compassion. We invite those who knew and loved Gwen to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page as a celebration of her extraordinary life.

When we're born, if we're blessed, our mothers become our first loves. If we're not just blessed, but also lucky, our moms become our friends as well. My brother and I were both blessed and lucky.

I was blessed to help care for her in her later years and made memories I'll always treasure. (Marsi)

Mom... you are so loved and missed with every broken piece of our hearts.

We may not have gotten to spend the rest of our lives with you, but you got to spend the rest of yours with us.

Our hearts are broken but her wings are open and heaven just received our angel.

A memorial will be held at the Provident Funeral Home on Friday March 21st from 6-8 pm. Located at 3800s Washington Blvd in Ogden, Utah.

Come as you are... work clothes, flip flops, dresses, shorts and sweat pants... just as you are. Bring your stories and memories to share.

Light refreshments will be provided.