A memorial service for Hattie Laverene Ludenia will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

The service may be viewed via livestream by following the link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

Hattie Ludenia, 72, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Hattie was born in Stillwater, Minnesota, on September 9, 1954, to William and Avis (Witte) Crittenden. She was the 11th of 14 children.

Hattie grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by strong family ties. She often recalled getting up early on Saturday mornings to make homemade bread for the week. She cherished the time she spent with her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

In 1972, Hattie met Barry James Ludenia while out at a bar with her siblings. That night, she met the love of her life. On November 3, 1973, they were married at his mother's house, surrounded by family and close friends. They shared 45 years of marriage until Barry's passing in 2019. Together, they had two children, Richard and Christine. Whenever Barry was stationed somewhere she could not go, Hattie would return to Minnesota to be with her family.

Hattie was a devoted homemaker who loved painting, sewing, crocheting, and spending time with her children. She was very active with her daughter's elementary school PTA, continuing to volunteer even after her daughter had moved on from elementary school. Every Friday, without fail, she was there making popcorn and a pickle. During the annual Christmas Santa Shop, she always kept extra money on hand to help children who needed it. It was through her love of helping the children and teachers at the school that she formed a special friendship with Jennifer.

Hattie was also an avid bingo player, spending every Friday evening playing bingo with her best friend, Kay. When she wasn't at school or at bingo, she could often be found at home baking her famous banana bread, attending powwows, spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing Phase and Skip-Bo, or watching her favorite black-and-white movies. She especially enjoyed listening to her grandson, Jason, play his baritone, whether he was practicing at home or performing with his school band.

Hattie is survived by her daughter, Christine Ludenia, and fiancé, Dustin Starr, of the home; her son, Richard Ludenia, and Amy Ludenia of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren Michael Lundgren and Madeline Lundgren of Minnesota, Christina Holwerda of Wisconsin, Sean Ludenia of Wisconsin, Jason Plumley of Lawton, and Atticus and McKenna Starr of Lawton; brothers Bill and David Crittendene of Minnesota; dear friends Kay Denton of Georgia and Jennifer and Will Norwood of Lawton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Billie, Gail, Linda, Nancy, Sarah, Julie, and Kelly; brothers Dennis, Jim, George, and Brian; her parents; and the love of her life, Barry.

After five years apart, we find comfort in knowing that Hattie and Barry are together again and at peace.

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com.