Mrs. M. Martha Hieronymus Hodges

89, of Bel Aire, KS, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 16, 2016, having succumbed to a battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the Catholic Care Center. Martha was born on December 4, 1926 to parents John Otis and Ruth Hieronymus. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Hieronymus, and sister Esther Croy. Martha is survived by her husband Marion Hodges and their three children: Caroll Steacy (Stephen) of Lawrence, KS, John Hodges (Wanita) of Oakridge, OR, and Geron Paul “Rus”(Becky) Hodges of Kechi, KS, two grandchildren, Matthew Steacy and Adrianna Hodges, and her sister, Elisabeth Zacharias. Martha grew up in Shawnee, KS. She graduated from Shawnee Mission High School and then went to Bethany Peniel College. On December 23, 1947 she married her high school sweetheart, Marion Hodges. Marion and Martha celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past December. Martha had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior. She has been active in the Nazarene Church since she was a young child. As an adult, she served the church as a pianist, church secretary, and seamstress--making many curtains, tablecloths, and beautiful sanctuary banners. Martha spent most of her working career as a secretary in several different positions in the Wichita Public Schools. Martha was a superb homemaker. She loved to clean, decorate, organize, and cook. Martha was especially famous for her homemade bread and pies. She had a great appreciation for the beauty of nature. Martha and her beloved husband, Marion, were always together: worshiping, cooking, cleaning, shopping, traveling, and doing special projects around the house. Martha loved crafts. She taught a class in ceramics and also led a quilting class in the church. Martha was a skilled seamstress and quilter; she lovingly sewed clothing and gifts for family and friends. She leaves many beautiful quilts and memories which will be cherished by her children and grandchildren. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 21, at Resthaven Morturary. Interment will be held at Resthaven Cemetery. Please share a memory or offer condolences at www.resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.