Eloise Hodges

Eloise Hodges, 86, of Washington, IL died at 8:16 am Monday, March 14, 2016 at her home. Born on August 15, 1929 in Keyesport, IL to Melvin and Merle Emery Essington, she married Joseph E. Hodges on January 27, 1952 in Keyesport, IL. He preceded her in death on January 25, 1996 in Washington, IL. Surviving are 5 sons; Mike Hodges of Chicago, IL, Mark (Nancy) Hodges of Washington, IL, Max (Nancy) Hodges of Belleville, IL, Marty (Regina) Hodges of Bartlesville, OK, and Matt (Yvette) Hodges of Mokena, IL, 4 siblings; Connie (Lu) Essington of Spencer, IN, Phyllis (Marlin) Wade of Greenville, IL, Gerald (Sharon) Essington of Greenfield, IN, and Susan Walker of Kokomo, IN, sister-in-law; Jackie Essington of Downey, CA, 10 grandchildren; Andy, Ben, Jamie, Robert, Jessica, Curtis, Josee, Juell, Jazmynn and Jaeden, and 2 great-grandchildren; Nathan and Olivia. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers; Larry Essington and Terry Essington and her sister-in-law, Sheryl Essington and her brother-in-law, Edward Walker. Eloise graduated from Carlyle High School in 1947. She enjoyed working as a Beautician and taught at Liberty Beauty School in Peoria. She later worked as an Evaluator at SEAPCO Pre-School, and also at Sears, Foster-Gallagher, and Kiddy Kampus, all the while being a homemaker and loving mother of her 5 boys. She was a volunteer at Common Place and was a member of Sunnyland Christian Church where she served as a Deaconess, the Evangelism Chairman, a long time Sunday School teacher and was the Director of Vacation Bible School for many years. Eloise was an avid supporter of Washington Panther Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. She also served as the Matriarch of the annual Memorial Day Family Reunion which she hosted at the Hodges Inn for many years. A service for Eloise will be at 3 pm Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Evan Williams will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the funeral home with additional visitation from 1-3 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Memorials may be made to Sunnyland Christian Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Eloise Hodges

August 15, 1929 - March 14, 2016