Norma Jo Hodges

Norma Jo Hodges, age 83, passed away on December 25, 2023.

She was the wife of John H. Hodges for 62 years and the mother of three children: John Richard, Rhonda Jo (deceased) and James Randall.  She had 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Norma attended Indianapolis Tech High School and graduated from Unionville High School.

After a delay to start a family, she returned to Indiana University to complete her M.S. degree and become a teacher.

Lawrence Township Schools hired Norma to teach social studies at Craig Junior High School and she became a respected team leader.  After a dedicated 25 years as a teacher Norma retired and enjoyed participating in sports and cultural activities with John.

They took their children on trips all over the United States enjoying the wonders of our great land.  When the children were old enough, they enjoyed ski trips to Michigan.  Norma filled 24 scrapbooks with photos and other mementos that cover family activities over the years.

At age 45 Norma and John climbed mountains in Colorado and they reached the summit of a dozen 14,000-foot peaks, including Pikes Peak and Longs Peak.  On one climb they were approaching the summit and a thunderstorm loaded with lightning surprised them.  On another they lost sight of their trail and decided they would just go straight down the mountain.  They almost got blown off of Mount Massive by heavy winds.

Norma and John skied all over the western United States and the provinces of western Canada.  They retraced the downhill runs that were prepared for the Olympics and enjoyed the challenges of over forty different ski areas.  One was so enjoyable they arrived at the airport for their return flight from Canada a day late.

They played golf in Maine, South Carolina, Florida, Utah, and California.  Hilton Head Island, Naples, and Orlando were particularly enjoyable golf areas.

Norma learned to play the piano on an old upright.  After moving to Westfield John bought her a baby grand piano which she enjoyed for many years.

Norma and John were Broadway season ticketholders for 30 years and the Indianapolis Symphony ticketholders for over 20 years.

Norma and John are members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.  When the Covid outbreak occurred, they started watching the services on their computer.

During Norma and John’s retirement years they enjoyed sailing with Holland American Cruise Lines.  Their destinations included the Caribbean islands, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Ireland, Britain, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean countries.  One of our ships was the Westerdam which at the time was the largest and most beautiful ship afloat.

Norma’s last trip was to the I.U. West Hospital and John wishes to extend a very special thank you to the hospital staff who so lovingly and with a great deal of kindness cared for Norma.

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Road.  Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.