Gov Parson expresses condolences after fatal crash in Barton County

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KOAM) - Gov Mike Parson expresses condolences to the family of a Rogersville, Mo. woman killed in a Barton County crash on Wednesday at Mo-126 and State Route T.

Aubren Dudley , mother of five, worked for Missouri Dept of Social Services, her husband is Missouri State Highway Patrol Tpr Zach Dudley.

Yesterday, our State of Missouri team suffered the terrible loss of a beloved team member. Aubren Dudley was a dedicated member of the Children’s Division in the Department of Social Services. Yesterday afternoon, as part of her job, she was traveling in southwest Missouri when she died in a collision with a tractor-trailer. Aubren had been a respected state team member with DSS for nearly five years. She had not only devoted her professional life to improving the lives of children, but she and her husband, Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Zach Dudley, had also welcomed five young, adopted children. Aubren’s heart for her children and public service inspires us all to live lives that make a positive difference to those around us. Please join Teresa and me in keeping the Dudley family in our prayers.

Dudley had recently been facing health issues according to a Go Fund Me online created by her friend Angie Pratt on July 2, 2024. It has raised $1,400 currently. We are working to find out more details where people can make donations now that she has passed.

Hundreds online are expressing condolences and appreciation for Dudley's work in foster care with her state social services role:

• "Broke my heart when I heard about this. Aubren was always giving out advice when needed on our local foster parent page and searching for the best home for the kids in care. Praying for everyone who knew and loved her." - T.F.
• "Prayers to the family. What a dedicated person who practiced what she believed in." - R.T.
• "Thank you Governor Parson. We are shocked and our hearts are broken. She was such a wonderful person, wife, mother, coworker and so much more." - H.C.S.
• "Aubren did so much for her kids and the families she worked with. My heart breaks for Zach and their kids, who have already been through so much in their short lives." - A.S.

AUBREN'S STORY ABOUT RAMEN NOODLES WENT VIRAL

Some might remember Aubren Dudley's viral and powerful Ramen Noodle story relating to foster care and adoption. It was covered all over the world in 2019 and featured by major news networks in the U.S.

It first appeared on the FB page, Barren to Blessed . It speaks of how the Dudley's son, adopted from foster care, made himself dinner -- an uncooked package of noodles.

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