Sara Elizabeth Hodges, 87, of Starkville, Mississippi passed on September 25, 2021. She was born in Shelbyville, Indiana to Walter and Virginia (Jones) Henke. She was valedictorian of Shelbyville High School and attended Earlham College, and earned a BS degree from Purdue University. Sara worked as a research technician for Purdue University Foods Nutrition Department. In 1955, she married Harry Hodges of Bedford, Indiana. The couple made their lives in West Lafayette, Indiana until 1975, when they moved to Starkville, Mississippi. Sara was known for her kindness, generosity and as a longtime member of the Church of Christ.
Her husband, Harry preceded her in death in 2019.
She leaves behind one brother, David Henke, of Noblesville, Indiana, four children, Roger Hodges (Jan) of Atlanta, Darlene Rivas (Mike) of Heidelberg, Germany, Kathy Morris (Roy) of Starkville and Keith Hodges (Lucinda) of Tampa. She also leaves 10 beloved grandchildren, Rachel Russell, Timothy Morris, Michael Rivas, William Morris, Jake Hodges, Jessica Hodges, Corrie Hodges, Sara Freeman, Harrison Hodges, and Nate Hodges and 7 great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents and sister Ellen Whipple.
Sara was active in many volunteer activities. She served as a bible class teacher at Starkville Church of Christ, 4-H Club for youth, Mississippi State University Extension Homemakers, several foster parent associations, women’s clubs, and served on various extension advisory councils. She went on multiple mission trips to Nassau, Honduras, and Poland. Sara’s hobbies included reading, traveling, gardening, and all kinds of arts and crafts.
Funeral services will be held at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, Mississippi on Friday, October 1st at 2:00pm, visitation starts at 1:00pm. Burial at Memorial Garden Park will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to the non-profit of the giver’s choice.
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