On August 3 , 1940, Mary Ellen Hudkins was born in Rochester to William Judson and Mildred I. Brooker Hudkins. Growing up, she shared her childhood with six brothers. She was a proud member of the Rochester High School class of 1958. During her high school years, Mary was active in 4-H and worked the soda fountain at Baxter's Drug Store.

Mary and Donald Groleau were married in 1957. They later divorced. Their union produced four daughters: Debra, Tammy, Suzie and Donna.

Mary and Richard 'Dick" George were married on December 26 , 1987 in Naperville, IL. They shared 33 years of life's adventures. Accomplished with great rhythm Mary and Dick enjoyed dancing and loved to travel.  Later in life she enjoyed sewing crafts and making scarves.  With a love for music, she enjoyed many genres from big band to rock and roll.  Mary was a vibrant member of the retirement community choir.

A master in her kitchen, Mary, was an amazing pie maker. She would create and bake delicious blueberry, strawberry-rhubarb and sugar creme pies. Her tapioca pudding was a family favorite. Christmas cookies were shared with family and friends and were included in care boxes to the grandchildren during the holidays. Her homemade soups warmed the hearts of many.

Keeping up with the gossip in the National Enquirer, watching a variety of television shows, Sci-Fi movies and soap operas were a great pastime for Mary.  She loved to shop for a good bargain.  Family time making many memories was cherished by Mary. She was the family photographer and enjoyed all of the images she captured.  Her treasured companion, a Maltese blend, Maggie aka "Baby" always enjoyed their walks in the dog park.

Left to cherish Mary's memory are her husband, Dick; four daughters:  Debra Bock and husband Heshy of Rochester, Tammy Newlin and husband Joe of Silver Lake, Suzie Simonson and husband Bret of Nixa, MO, Donna Waite and husband Tom of Mesa, AZ; two step-daughters: Suzanne Compton of Naperville, IL, Barbara Conforti of Champaign, IL; grandchildren: Jessica Creekmore and husband David, Derrick Vance and wife Amy, Courtney Williams and husband Matt, Allie Wright and husband Nick, Kirk Simonson and fiancé Anna, Jimmy Waite and fiancé Susie, Mike Waite and fiancé Carmen, Laurie Marquardt, Brandon Compton, Kayli Braun, Nick Conforti, Alex Conforti;  numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson;  two brothers: Richard Hudkins and companion Jean Simpson, Virgil Hudkins and wife Sue both of Rochester; numerous nieces and nephews; and canine companion, Maggie "Baby".

Preceding Mary Ellen in death are her parents; a daughter, Mary Jacqueline Groleau born into heaven on March 21 , 1964; and four Hudkins brothers:  Don, Jerry, George and John.

A celebration of the life of Mrs. Mary George will be on Monday, September 27 , 2021 at 11:00 AM  in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18 ^th St., Rochester. Pastor Todd Mullins will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 1-3 on Sunday, September 26 , 2021 and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975 or St. Jude's, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105