Joan Hodge

Joan Church Hodge (73) passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 13. She will be greatly missed by her beloved and adoring husband, Larry Hodge, her daughter, Sarah Saneholtz (Mike Saneholtz), her son, Kevin Hodge (Rachel Morris), and her grandchildren Cole Saneholtz, Camden Saneholtz, Davis Gillett, and Keller Hodge. May God embrace her beautiful smile and loving energy, along with those who preceded her in death: her parents Thomas and Mary Church, her sisters, Janet Hill and Margaret Church-Ish, her in-laws, Joseph and Alberta Hodge, her brother-in-law, Bob Hodge, and her incredible friends who will surely greet her in heaven with open arms.

Joan grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and was a graduate of Mercy High School and attended California State University, Fullerton. She was very close with her sisters, Ann and Margaret and they met annually to take their cherished trips around the country. Joan’s energetic personality, athleticism (cheer, volleyball, softball, and track), and competitive nature were well-known. She gracefully moved with Larry’s career from California to Missouri, Wisconsin to Illinois, while finally settling in Ohio. She was invested as a youth volleyball coach and was an advocate for Catholic education in the schools. She worked in customer service after her children were grown, and enjoyed watching countless sporting events over the years, whether for Sarah and Kevin, or for her grandchildren. She was always a “fan favorite” at cross-country and track meets, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, and football games. Additionally, Joan was a voracious reader and enjoyed time away at the beach with family each year. Her pride and joy was being known as “Nana” and spending time with her grandchildren.

We will gather at TIDD FUNERAL HOME, PLAIN CITY CHAPEL, 9720 OH-161, Plain City, OH 43064 on Monday, November 18 from 4-7 p.m. A private family mass will be held at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church.

 In Memorium, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.