Hilda Lee Respress Stoudt

ASHEVILLE—Hilda Lee Respress Stoudt, surrounded by her family at her home, went to be with Jesus on June 15, 2013, at 82 years young. Hilda was born on January 19, 1931, to Curtis James and Nina Hudgins Respress in Foster, Va. She met the love of her life, Earl M. Stoudt, and then married on October 30, 1948. In March of 1964 they moved to Homestead, Fla. During the early 1970s, Earl, a veteran of World War II, and Hilda operated a Christian Servicemen's center outside of Homestead AFB. In December of 1975 they moved to Asheville for a short time, finally settling in Weaverville in the spring of 1977. During the next 23 years they taught many Bible studies for college students and pastored "Youth Outreach for Jesus/Living Waters Fellowship." They founded and co-pastored Asheville Foursquare Church. Hilda was an ordained minister who enjoyed sharing Jesus to all those she came into contact with. Together, she and her husband traveled extensively while sharing the gospel. After Earl's death in 1990, she moved back to Asheville and remained until the present. The loves of her children and grandchildren brought her much delight. A game, a song, a snuggle, a book, or a prayer were all ways she chose to love the ones around her. Surviving are her son, Randy M. Stoudt of Asheville; daughters, Vicky L. Manning of Weaverville, Sharon F. Kelley and husband Ron of Madison, Ala., Brenda Stoudt Waters of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; sister, Audrey Faulkner, and brother, Bobby Respess, of Foster, Va. Her graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory with Rev. Rick Robison and Rev. Roger Lunsford officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Stoudt's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.