Betty Jo Hudson

Hudson Betty Jo Hudson passed away peacefully on October 4, 2013 at the age of 82. Born in Muncie, Indiana she was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Lottie Hudson, her brother Bob and sister-in-law Wilma. She is survived by her life partner, Barbara Young; nephew, Jim (Louise) Hudson; nieces, Ruth Ann (Jim) Upchurch, Patricia (Dave) Causemaker, Cynthia Gatterdam; sister-in-law, Sherry Whaley; numerous, grand-nieces and nephews; many dear friends and her beloved cats, Selene and Hecate. Betty Jo received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ball State University and went on to have a distinguished career in higher education administration. She taught at the secondary and college level and was a residence hall director and university administrator at Ball State University and Indiana State University. In 1972, Betty Jo came to The Ohio State University to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration. She was soon promoted from graduate administrative assistant to Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in University College and served as the only woman on the Dean's cabinet of senior administrators. In 1988, Betty Jo became the Ohio State University Ombudsman, the first non-faculty appointment to that position. She was committed to rename the office and position to reflect gender neutrality and was instrumental in accomplishing this both on a local and national level. Betty Jo was a very active contributor to numerous professional service organizations, including Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society (serving as national president from 1988-1991), Altrusa International, Columbus Literacy Council, Mortar Board National Honor Society and the National Association for Women Deans, Administrators and Counselors. Throughout her professional career at Ohio State, Betty Jo's exemplary contributions were recognized with many honors, including three separate Distinguished Service Awards, the Women's Leadership Award and the establishment of the Betty Jo Hudson Humanitarian Award. These accomplishments exemplify a life-long dedication to promoting diversity, inclusiveness and equality within the university and throughout the community. After her retirement from Ohio State, Betty Jo found great pleasure traveling with friends and family, building a beautiful home on Torch Lake (Michigan), teaching an exercise class for seniors in Elk Rapids, MI and volunteering for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Antrim County Democratic women. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Betty Jo's memory to AC Paw, PO BOX 94, Acme, MI 49610 or the Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan, 423 Porter St., Petoskey, MI 49770. Memorial services will be held in Michigan and Columbus, Ohio at a time to be determined. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of MORTENSEN FUNERAL HOMES. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.