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ELLA HODGE Obituary

HODGE, ELLA J. Oct. 2, 1925 to Oct. 28, 2011 Maria Ella Jones was born in Douglas, AZ. The events of WWII brought her to California where she met Grady Hodge and they soon began the journey of raising seven children - Raymond, Dennis, Ronnie, Laura, Michael, Hedy, and Valerie - who brought 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild to their lives. They spent most of their married life in San Diego, retiring to Loon Lake, WA and then, later, to Tennessee, Grady's home state. In the last years of her life they returned to San Diego where more of their friends and family were clustered. Ella was known for "bringing in strays" and many of those adopted family members remember her fondly as Momma Ella. During her last days she wondered aloud why so many people loved her and then answered her own question by saying, "I guess I am just a kind person," an appropriate thought as she was very kind and very loving. She brought a sense of humor to her family that sustained them through the rough times and kept that humor going as she neared the end of her life, again, making it easier for those who loved her. Her greatest legacy is that she taught us all how to love. For that gift, and many others, she will be missed. Memorial gifts may be made to San Diego Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ELLA HODGE

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Ronnie

November 13, 2023

I miss you Mama.

Denny Bachman

December 9, 2011

The first time I met Ella, the pleasure was truly all mine. When she and I visited, I thought to myself, "Ella, what a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman." She was everything her granddaughter told me she'd be. I felt fortunate to experience a glimpse of Jean-Marie's grandmother, so full of spice and life. Even though I truly enjoyed meeting and visiting with Ella for the first time, my only regret is that is was my last. I now cherish that time I was granted with her. The thought of her visits me daily.

Hedy Klein

November 27, 2011

Momma, I miss you. I now know what you meant when you said you talked to your Mom everyday. I talk to you every single day. I will always love you.

Hedy Marie

November 26, 2011

What a beautiful legacy she has left behind. It is truly a gift to the loved one, as well as their family and friends, to be remembered in such a beautiful way. We never had the opportunity to meet her but we will know her through her great granddaughter and beautiful new great-great granddaughter.
Our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.
The Catli Family

brittany klein

November 26, 2011

Oh Grandma you are my angel. May you be resting or playing or chating with your parents like you have wanted to for so many years! Going through helping you in your time of need as made me such a better woman I have experienced something with you that most people never get to do and that is 86 years of your life re told to me and the last 2 months of your life is Lauras, vals, hedys, ash, and many others to tell! i will always keep you alive in my heart and to your Great Grand babies. i love u grandma so much and i have already said my goodbyes so heres to seeing u again and us playing in the sky and me talking with my great grand ma huh!

Patty Riley

November 26, 2011

We met only once in my lifetime, and that's exactly what it was for me, a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet a kind, funny and sweet woman.

Walter Garcia

November 25, 2011

I send my condolences to the family and friends.

Refugio Jones

November 22, 2011

Tia Ella built a great family. She kept us all together through easy and uneasy times. It's been a privelege to receive her and your welcome into the Hodge & Jones fold. You all are now my family.

Much Love,
Refugio

judy holden

November 21, 2011

I wanted to say that u were so very special to ur grandaughter Jean Marie. She always told me great stories about you. You must of been a very special grammy to her. God Bless

True Love

Walter Garcia

November 21, 2011

Grandma....words are simply not enough to express my love for you. You have been such a huge part in making me the man I am today. I thank God for you and the impact you made on so many lives. You will never be forgotten. I love you.
Grandpa....you are such an amazing man and a true inspiration to me. Thank you for always being there for our family. I love you.

JUDY FRANKLIN

November 21, 2011

WISH, IN A WAY, I COULD HAVE BEEN WITH YOU ALL. LOVE TO YOU ALL TOO.

JUDY

Jean-Marie

November 21, 2011

Grandma - a day does not pass when I don't think of you. Remembering the softness of your hands the last time I held them. Remembering the smile on your face as I said Good-Bye for the last time. Remembering your beautiful eyes watch me as I walked out of the room. I love you with all my heart - you were more to me then my Grandmother - I will forever miss you.

Jon Dennis

November 21, 2011

Grady & Family,

Ella always treated me like one of the family, including correcting my behavior if I got out of line. I will never forget her kindness and generosity.

Jon

November 21, 2011

Grady & Family,
Mark and I would like to thank you for letting us be apart of your celebration of Ella's life.She would be so proud of her family job well done Ella.
With Love,
Mark and Carol Collier

Faye Allen

November 20, 2011

I love you mama Ella. You have a special place in my heart always.

Darrell Jones

November 20, 2011

Miss you Ella, you were a class act!

November 20, 2011

Mommy Ella, thank you for welcoming me into your amazing family with open arms. I miss you dearly. I hope you finally have a chance to meet my mom and share a laugh. Marc loves you so very much and thanks you for the unconditional love. Love you, Ramae

November 20, 2011

I will miss you Ella Hodge. We all have wonderful memories of you. I most enjoyed our time on you back porch in Tennessee. I love you....God Bless
Jeannie Dueball, Spokane, WA

Jana Brazzle

November 20, 2011

Dearest Aunt Ella, I thank you for the gift of a legacy of precious memories. You will always have a special place in my heart. Every time I prepare a mexican dish I will remember all you taught me. Thank you Aunt Ella, I love you.
always, Jana

November 20, 2011

I love you Miss Ella. R.I.P.

Bill Hodge

November 20, 2011

I know you are happy now.

Laura Hodge

November 20, 2011

I miss you, Mom.

Always wonderful to see Momma and Daddy so happy together

Laura Hodge

November 20, 2011

True love!

Laura Hodge

November 20, 2011

Rob Schick

November 19, 2011

May Ella Rest in Peace...I worked with her husband Grady and son Michael...We had many good times at San Diego Periodicals......and had a great Boss..Art Jacobs..R.I.P. The poet..Kalil Gribran said..." When there is sorrow in your heart...look again and you will see that what you are weeping for...has been your delight.." !

Liz Lovell

November 19, 2011

Valarie, we are so sorry to read about your mother's passing. All our prays and thoughts are with you and your family. She was a beautiful women. Liz and Greg Lovell

richard hilbert

November 19, 2011

Mom shall be remembered always from a son who she casted so much love upon. the laughter and joys that we shared shall never be erased.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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