September 28, 1936 – January 21, 2023
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sonja Lillian Hudson (Slettede) and honour her life. She was the eldest child of three and was born Sept. 28, 1936, to Joe and Lilly Slettede.
She was born in Claresholm and raised in town. After High School, she went to Normal School in Calgary to become a teacher. She taught in Barons for one year and then moved to Gladys Ridge School (NE of High River) to pursue her next job in a one room school house. While teaching there, she met a local farmer who drove the school bus, Leroy Hudson, from Aldersyde, and they were married August 10, 1957. Though they lived in Aldersyde, she fulfilled her dream of farming and working in nature. They had three children and after Leroy’s untimely passing, Sonja married Russell Hudson, April 2, 1963. Together they had three children and in the spring of 1963, they moved to their farm on Gladys Ridge where they resided for the next 45 years.
Sonja and Russell worked very hard to raise six kids. Sonja was an active member of the community – volunteering was in her DNA. Her helping hands were always ready. She was active in Women of Unifarm, the Lutheran Church, 4-H Clubs, Blood Donor Clinics, and several Agriculture related policy boards. She substitute taught, babysat local children, and sewed as much as she possibly could. All the while being a full-time partner on the farm and she prided herself on her perfectly balanced and excellent farm books. She loved to do crafts, visit the elderly, dance, sing, garden, and bake.
Sonja was an active member of the Sons of Norway and both taught at and took all her grandkids to Trollhaugen Norwegian Camp for decades. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and culture, enjoyed some travels to Norway, and could bake ALL the Norwegian food and goodies.
Sonja and Russell moved to High River in 2008 where they resided until her passing. Sonja passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 21st, 2023 at the High River Hospital. For Sonja, FAMILY was first, last and always.
Sonja is lovingly remembered by her husband, Russell and her six children. Viva, Jess (Cindy), Tara (Steve), Cheryl (Keith), John (Rachel), Lisa (Brian). Grandchildren, Mikkel (Natalie), Kari, Brit (Cory), Kjel; Evan (Rob), Lane (Lacey); Beth (Nathan), Eric (Nikki); Cole (Jamie), Megan (Craig); Trey (Jessica), Dalton (Jordan), Katie; Hayley, Sydney. Five Great-Grandchildren, Magnus, Freyja, Caiden, Teyanna Star, and Grace. She is also survived by her brother, Roy (Doreen) and her sister, Linda, as well as brother-in-law Gerald (Sharon) Hudson and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by Leroy Hudson, Ken DeMaere, and her parents Joe and Lilly Slettede.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in High River on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00PM.
To send condolences, please visit www.lylereeves.com. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.