Edna lived all over the world, but home was always Bad Vilbel, Germany where she was born. As a young child she lived in Japan, dressed in kimonos and out of curiosity poked holes in the paper wall dividers (whoopsie!). A childlike innocence and wonder she carried all through life. She lived in England as a young girl and learned to jump horses, which, cultivated her life long love for animals. As a teenager she lived in California, surfed the waves and hung out with the Beach Boys (true story!). After living in the deserts of Arizona, the mountains of Colorado, and the rolling plains of Wyoming, she settled down in the quaint little town of Lewellen, Nebraska. Her life in Lewellen was dedicated to raising her children (Casey (Karla) Hudson, Erika Hudson Whiting (Jimmy Whiting)). She built a community that became her family, and expressed her spiritual gift of hospitality to all who walked through the doors at the local Gander Inn Motel.
As her days of running the Gander Inn Motel came to a close, Edna worked diligently to graduate with her Bachelors of Arts in Teaching. For several years, she passionately educated many young students across western Nebraska. Edna was an encourager to all she encountered, whether family, friends, students, plants, or animals, and all felt the love and conviction in her words when she said “I’m so proud of you!”
As her cherished grandchildren (Kyndal, Corbin, Kennedy, Chase, Daniel(Kassi) James, Ryder, McCoy) and eventually great-grandchildren (Ezra & Emmersyn Whiting) entered the world, she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and lovingly doted on them every chance she was able. She loved expressing her childlike wonder and innocence with them. She taught them many important things of life, including how to create and enjoy the most perfect ice cream sundae.
A Celebration of Life Ice Cream Social will be held on May 29th, 2022 at the Whiting residence in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, please fill up a backpack with school supplies and bring it to the celebration. All bags will be donated to local programs for students.
If you would like the families’ addresses, celebration details and to RSVP, please email ednahudsoncelebration@gmail.com.
Edna was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her family and dear bosom friends; Luanne Toepfer and Kay Heimbuck.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28