Janice Lynn Hodges

Janice Lynn Hodges, 82, of Phoenix, AZ passed on Sunday January 17, 2016, following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Janice was born December 23, 1933 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the eldest daughter of Marvin and Pauline Robison. As a young girl, she moved to Arizona from Oklahoma with her family. Janice was a proud graduate from Phoenix North High School in 1951 and from Arizona State College (Arizona State University) in 1955. She taught Home Economics in the Alhambra School District, was homemaker for several years, and retired from the America Express Company. While in college, she enjoyed football games and was a member of the Iota Sigma Alpha Sorority. She treasured her college friendships and remained close with these friends for life. Janice met her husband through mutual friends and she soon married the love of her life, Robert Hugh Hodges, in 1955. They built a home together in Phoenix where they raised three children. Both Janice and Bob lived in their home for 55 years and developed friendships with neighbors who became part of their extended family.

Janice had a rich life with many family gatherings, family reunions, school activities with her children and grandchildren, visiting with wonderful neighbors, and traveling. Travel included family reunions in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Michigan, where the cousins’ get-together was always a highlight. Luxury cruises were enjoyed as well as motor trips across the United States and Canada. A particular favorite trip was to Europe where the countries of England, France and Belgium were visited. Her favorite sites included Big Ben and Notre Dame. In addition, Janice and Bob followed their grandson Jim's hockey team all over the United States, as well as their granddaughter Beth's high school tennis team throughout the state of Arizona. Janice loved music, babies, and animals, which at one time included dogs, a rabbit, parakeets, fish and two turtles. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano and fond memories are held of Janice playing “Alley Cat” and “Red Roses for a Blue Lady”. Janice was an active member of Central United Methodist Church for over 65 years.

Janice is survived by her loving husband, Robert Hodges, daughters Karen Lyons (Jon) and Susan Meuser (John) of Chandler, AZ, her son Thomas Hodges of Phoenix, AZ and her sister, Elizabeth Ann Robison of Temecula, CA. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren (Jim, Elizabeth, Bryce and Meagan), 2 great grandchildren (Anna and Brayden), 6 nieces and nephews (Annie, John, Bill, Cindy, Lynn and Caitlin) and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday January 23, 2016 at Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

Interment will be at East Resthaven Park Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The Rev. Jerry Law will be officiating the services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Arizona, or Central United Methodist Church.