Betty Kudla

Marjorie Elizabeth "Betty" (Phillips) Kudla, 102, of Hendricks County, completed her earthly journey on August 29, 2026, at Cumberland Trace, in Plainfield. Betty was born on March 30, 1924, on her grandparents' farm in Guilford Township, Hendricks County, Indiana, to Everett Guion and Opal Jane (Atkinson) Phillips. Raised south of Plainfield alongside her eight siblings, Betty grew up in a Quaker household where she learned the values of hard work, independence, and determination early in life. When her first-grade teacher found "Marjorie Elizabeth" a bit too long to say and suggested calling her "Betty," she returned home in tears-until her mother reassured her it was a beautiful name. It stayed with her for the rest of her 102 years. As the fourth of nine children, Betty spent her youth helping tend the house, garden, and family farm. Guided by her mother, grandmothers, and beloved Aunt Estelle, she became an accomplished cook, baker, seamstress, and competitive 4-H participant. When asked about the secret to her remarkable longevity, Betty often recalled her early work ethic: when her father asked for one bucket of water, she always carried two to keep herself balanced. That balance, resilience, and drive defined her entire life. Her central motto remained simple and effective: "Keep moving or you'll lose it!" Betty met the love of her life, Anthony Michael Kudla, at Melody's Skateland and the two married in 1944. Betty followed Anthony to California to live on the military base, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Pam. Throughout her life, Betty was never afraid of hard work, working in laundry services, on the assembly line at Eli Lilly, at Laughner's Cafeteria, and later for a greenhouse. Betty shared an exceptionally close and special bond with her daughter, Pam.. The two lived together in Mooresville, making a warm, loving home alongside their cherished cats and sharing the quiet everyday joys of life. Another deeply meaningful chapter began in 1979 when Betty reunited with her biological son, John Hathaway (raised by Herbert and Nora Hathaway). Their bond grew during long walks along quiet back roads, talking, laughing, and sharing life stories. John later taught Betty how to drive, marking another milestone of her lifelong independence. Through John and his wife, Lois, Betty's family expanded to include four grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and twenty-nine great-great-grandchildren, creating a rich legacy that continues to grow. And keep moving she did. Betty was an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast who tended her yard well into her 80s and carried her plants in and out of the house into her 90s. A woman of boundless creativity, she filled her home and the lives of those around her with beautiful paintings, handcrafted items, and intricate crocheted quilts and afghans-starting her final project at age 102. She found quiet joy in nature, admiring eagles, irises, butterflies, hummingbirds, and the company of her cats. Betty was deeply proud of her heritage and loved gathering with her loved ones. She always looked forward to attending family reunions, where her presence was paired with laughter, wisdom, and favorite family recipes, especially her cherished pumpkin rolls. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Michael Kudla, who passed away in 1998; her parents, Everett and Opal Phillips; her brothers, George, Thomas, James, Robert, Joseph, and Harry Phillips; and her sister, Margaret Alice Corya. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Pam Kudla of Mooresville; her loving son, John Hathaway (wife, Lois); sister, Lois Lucille (Phillips) Hoffman; and her extensive lineage of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with calling held one hour prior, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Following the service, Betty will be carried to her final resting place in her cousin's Model T at White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help the family offset final expenses, c/o Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main Street, Monrovia, IN 46157. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com

Betty Kudla

March 30, 1924 - August 29, 2026