Ellen Ann Hodges

LAKEWOOD - Ellen Ann Hodges, 71, of Lakewood, IL., died at 1:53 p.m. May 7, 2011, in Shelbyville Manor, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville with Pastors Steve Livingood, Gene Colthurst and Don Pease officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in the Ridge Cemetery near Lakewood. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Ellen was born April 23, 1940, in Mt. Vernon, IL., at the home of her parents. She was the daughter of Virgil and Flodean (Newton) Byard. She worked as a dietician at Shelby Memorial Hospital for 13 years. She had previously worked as a waitress for many years. She loved gardening, sewing, her horses, and life itself. She is currently riding her way to God's garden in Heaven, which we are certain she will help tend. Ellen was a member of the Tower Hill United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women. Ellen married Dale Hodges on February 25, 1961. They recently celebrated their 50th year of a loving marriage. They were strongly devoted to each other. Ellen will be greatly missed by her daughters: Nancy (David) McClain of Shelbyville, IL.; Connie (Wayne) Dotson of Findlay, IL.; and Rita (Cary) Bryson of Shelbyville; sister, Peggy (Robert) Snow of Lakewood; brothers: Allen Roeder of Pana; Danny Roeder and special friend, Rose Gordon of Shelbyville.; grandchildren: Coartney and Amanda McClain; Brody and Connor Dotson; and Levi and Zachary Bryson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Byard and Flodean Parks, step-father, Lloyd Roeder, sister, Ramona Cook; and nephew, Robbie Snow. Condolences at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/