She was a loving wife for 61 years to Dean Hodges, and a caring mother and friend. Etta Jean did extensive traveling with Dean to such places as Hawaii, Washington, D. C., San Francisco, and an Alaskan Cruise. She enjoyed gardening, painting, scrapbooking and playing card games. You could often find her in one of the card rooms at Kirby Pines playing Canasta, Skip Bo, or Dominos. Etta also enjoyed visiting with friends while working on a puzzle at the Kirby Pines puzzle table. She volunteered frequently to assist with the many activities with her retirement community family. She was a regular at the Kirby Pines Church of Christ Sunday morning services.
Etta Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dean and brother, Jimmy Keith. Survivors include sons Rickey and wife Teresa, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, Marcus and wife Mary Ann, of Memphis, Tennessee; grandchildren, Katey Patterson, Emily Thomas and Marc Hodges; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 26th at 11:00 am in the Chapel at Kirby Pines Retirement Community with a reception will follow. The graveside service will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport, Arkansas at 3:30 pm on the same day.
