Clyda Huddleston Vanhook

Mrs. Clyda Catherine Huddleston Vanhook, aged 83 years, went to her Heavenly home on April 19, 2023 surrounded by her family.

The daughter of the late Mrs. Loida Huddleston and Clyde Delmer Huddleston, Clyda was born on October 10th, 1939. She was the beloved mother of two daughters, Tina Vanhook of Somerset and Gina (and James) Saindon of Somerset. Clyda “Gran” is survived by five grandchildren, Cathryn (and Matt) Hahn of Lexington, Brittiny (and Nathan) Janes of Campbellsville, Sydney (and Matt) Watson of Somerset, Evan Saindon of Lexington and Hope Saindon of Lexington, four great-grandchildren, Kashton and Kaden Watson and Isaiah and Adrianna(Addi)Janes. She is also survived by her former husband and dear friend, Smith Vanhook, sister-in-law Justine Brinkley, and sister-in-law Lois Jean (and James) Gover. Nieces Tamela Patterson, Angela McQuade and nephew, David Brinkley.

Clyda’s first love was her family. Be it with a loving phone call or homemade baked goods, she showed that daily, and was a constant source of encouragement and love for her children and grandchildren – always their biggest cheerleader. Clyda loved the Lord and her church family. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church. In her early years, she enjoyed working as a teller and greeting her customers at First & Farmers Bank. She then became a real estate agent and eventually retired, though remained active through hobbies, service at church, and through caring for others. Some of her favorite pastimes throughout the years included square dancing, boating on Lake Cumberland, hosting family and friends in her home, attending her homemakers’ club, daily crossword puzzles, spending time with her neighbors at Saddlebrook, and hand embroidering – an art passed down to her from her mother. She also loved to paint, sew, and do arts and crafts.

Among her most memorable of contributions, Clyda sewed unique, personalized quilts for all of her family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Anna Lee Tarter, brother-in-law, Hubert Tarter, nephew, Lanny Tarter, and brother-in-law, George Brinkley.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be made to the Pulaski County Animal Shelter in memory of Clyda’s recently passed best friend and companion, her dog, Ruger.

The family will receive friends after from 4-6 PM Friday, April 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church Somerset with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 6 PM.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.