Melissa Marie Hudson (53) passed unexpectedly in her sleep on June 23, 2026, in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Melissa was born on December 7, 1972, in Logan, Utah, to Julie (Rigby) and Kevin Jenkins.

Melissa lived life on her own terms. She was a spitfire through and through, never one to bite her tongue, and if she had something to say, you were going to hear it. Those who knew her wouldn’t have wanted her any other way.

She had a deep love for animals, often saying she loved them more than people, and anyone who knew Melissa knew there was probably some truth to that. She was naturally gifted in the arts, with a talent for painting. She found peace in her flowers and garden, and if you stopped by the house, chances are the first thing you’d see was Melissa rocking in her chair on the front porch. She was also a badass fisherwoman who could outfish just about anyone lucky enough to cast a line beside her.

Melissa openly battled mental illness throughout her life, a struggle known by those who loved her. While that journey was not always easy, the last four years brought her immeasurable joy. Moving to Texas allowed her to spend precious time with her daughter and grandchildren, and there was nowhere she would rather have been. Gatley and Hadley were the light of her life and brought her more happiness than words can express.

Melissa is survived by her daughter, Phoenix Hudson, and son-in-law, Nick Duff; her beloved grandchildren, Gatley Duff and Hadley Duff; her ex-husband and best friend, John Hudson; her loving parents, Julie and Kenneth Rigby, and Kevin and Laura Jenkins; her siblings, Michelle Toluono, Mindi Jenkins, Jared (Krista) Jenkins, and James Jenkins; many nieces and nephews, especially her two favorites, Jodeci Limutau and Isabelle Jenkins; along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by the many animals waiting to welcome her home, especially her beloved dog, Oakland; her mother and father-in-law, Daryl and Ethel Hudson; her grandparents, James and Norine King, and Charlotte and Lowell Jenkins; her Aunts Lola Lager and Charlene Jameson; and her cousin, Anelle Kellogg.

Melissa leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and a family who loved her deeply. She will always be remembered as the feisty she was—strong-willed, fiercely herself, and impossible to forget. While nothing will ever fill the space she leaves behind, there is comfort in knowing she is finally at peace, free from the physical and mental pain she carried for so long.

She will be missed beyond words and loved always.