On January 31, 2012 called by angels, she slipped away gently to go ahead. Born in Quay, Oklahoma (near Yale) and moved with her husband and children to Douglas County, Oregon in January 1960. She loved her family so deeply she stayed as long as she could, living to the age of 85 and was to soon celebrate her 86th birthday. Married May 1945 to Dennis “Pete” Hudgins, they enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Together they raised a family, fished, hunted, rode three wheelers and watched basketball. Mary JoAn assisted her husband in farming and running Pete's Freeway Shell, Pete's Ice Company and was a caretaker for Douglas County at the Windy Cove II and Pass Creek Parks.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis C. Hudgins, Sr.; son, Dennis C. Hudgins Jr. (wife Kathy); and twin daughters Jane Gaddis and Janet Stewart (husband Bill); grandchildren include Will Stewart, Peter Stewart, Aaron Gaddis, Sharon Anderson and Jim Donohue; great- grandchildren Amanda Stewart, Jimmy Gaddis and Asta Violet Anderson shared special times with their great grandmother. She maintained a special bond with her brother Harold F. Thomas who survives. Parents Jesse Gardner and Jannie Amandaville (Decker) Thomas and brother J.G. Thomas preceded her in death. She is remembered as a kind and gentle woman with a sense of humor. Special thanks to the Amedisys Hospice team and Marianne Walker for their tender loving care. Private family services will be held. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home in Myrtle Creek Oregon.