Luda Mae Arnold, 92, of Bardwell, Kentucky, passed away on February 14, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Flint, Michigan. Luda was born on August 22, 1933, to the late Homer and Nancy Jerrolds.
Luda grew up in the cotton fields of Missouri, where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family at an early age. Those early lessons shaped the strong, steady woman she would become. She later made her way to Flint, Michigan, where she worked faithfully for 20 years at Fisher Body before retiring. Luda Mae was proud of the life she built through dedication and determination.
Luda was a devoted mother. She raised six children and was truly a “mother hen,” always watching over her family, making sure everyone was cared for, fed, and loved. Her home was her heart, and her children were her greatest accomplishment.
Luda Mae found happiness in life’s little treasures. She enjoyed collecting coffee mugs, each one holding a memory or story of its own. She had a creative spirit and loved crafting, always working on something thoughtful with her hands. Traveling brought her joy, whether it was a short trip or an adventure to a new place. She also enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Lions Roar Store in Bardwell before its closing. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her brothers and sisters, sharing laughter, stories, and the kind of bond only family can bring.
Her greatest pride and deepest love were her grandchildren. Being “Grandma” was a role she carried with joy, tenderness, and unwavering devotion. She was a wonderful mother — strong, caring, and always putting her family first. Her love was constant and unconditional, the kind that leaves a lasting mark on the hearts of those she nurtured.
Luda is survived by her two daughters, Carolyn (Colin) Francis of Bay City, Michigan, and Cathy (Tomy) Umber of Flint, Michigan; four sons, Billy Joe (Latreese) Arnold of Bardwell, Jimmy (Cindy) Arnold of Cunningham, Gary (Teresa) Arnold of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Randy (Jonette Cheek) of Smyrna, Tennessee; one sister, Dorothy Robbins of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one brother Homer Ira (Linda) Jerrolds of Knoxville, Tennessee; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by five sisters, Emma Louise, Alphie Irene, Anna Jackie, Mackie Elizabeth, and Mary DeLouis; four brothers, Bomer Dee, Hobert William, John Bell, and Little Jr; and her parents.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell, with Bro. Shawn Redford officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Bardwell, Kentucky.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
