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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
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Sally Hodgins Obituary
Emmett - At the tender age of 3, M. Louise Chamberlin decided to rename herself. Despite her family's efforts, she wouldn't answer to anything but her new name. So, it's with fond memories we inform you Sally Louise Hodgins, 89, passed away January 7, 2025.
Born August 30, 1935, to William (Bill) Richard Chamberlin and Margerie Blanche Cunningham Chamberlin in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Sally grew up in Moyie Springs with her brothers, Clint and William (Bill), and her sisters, Rosella and Lily.
She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1953, and immediately picked up a bookkeeping job at a clothing store.
She met Richard (Duane) Hodgins and the pair married on February 20, 1954, settling in Emmett, Idaho.
They had five children: Ramona Lynne, Sharon Lee, Marcia Louise, Kathryn Lucille, and Richard Earl. In true Sally fashion, all the kids renamed themselves. Lynne, Sheri, Marci, Kathy, and Rick kept their parents on their toes, but she was proud to see them grow up.
Nicknamed "The Human Calculator," Sally's bookkeeping skills came in handy at Imhoff & Lynch in Boise, City Transfer in Emmett, and across multiple rental properties. She scooped ice cream at the Emmett Albertsons, serving the biggest cones to Duane and his father, Earl; and folded papers for Emmett's Messenger-Index.
But Sally was most well-known as co-owner of Hodgins Realty and a Realtor herself. She served as vice president of the Emmett Valley Board of Realtors in 1982. She retired after several decades of making dreams come true for new homeowners.
Sally and Duane hosted many gatherings at their home of more than 50 years, including pool parties and birthday celebrations, along with Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
She loved playing Mrs. Claus and Santa with Duane, appearing frequently at Make-a-Wish and Candlelighters events. She also served as Girl Scout leader, a room mother, and baked cookies for the Ronald McDonald House.
Sally was a fixture around Emmett, often volunteering at events like the Cherry Festival and enjoying time with friends and family at various donut shops, the Arctic Circle, and Idaho Pizza Company.
A talented seamstress and crafter, Sally made many of her children's clothes, costumes, and Barbie outfits. She passed her skills down to her children and grandchildren (with varying degrees of success). She enjoyed puzzles, game shows, and the "Peanuts" character Sally. Shopping for her birthday with her daughters every year, Sally crafted a wardrobe of bright, floral prints.
Sally loved snowmobiling, and helped found the Cougar Mountain Snowmobile Club with Duane and other volunteers in 1971. The pair were also avid motorcyclists, visiting 49 states (they couldn't quite figure out how to ride fast enough to turn the bike into jet skis to reach Hawaii). Sally and Duane enjoyed eating their way up and down the Oregon Coast and adored making new friends as they snowbirded in Yuma, Arizona.
Sally and Duane had a cabin in McCall for many years, where they liked to keep the fire so hot the kids and grandkids they graciously invited to stay with them would go outside to cool off in the freezing temperatures.
Heartfelt thanks go to the kind nurses and workers at Meadow View Assisted Living and Memory Care, along with special gratitude for Abby and Stephanie of White Oak Hospice, who provided a peaceful and compassionate environment during her transition from this life to the next.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Margerie Chamberlin; her siblings, Clint, Bill, Rosella, and Lily; daughter-in-law Lori Yates Hodgins; and her grandson, Dustin Rood.
She is survived by Duane, her husband of nearly 71 years; her five children, Lynne (Dick) Thielges, Sheri (Aaron) Gray, Marci (Chris) Rood, Kathy (Todd) Elson, and Rick Hodgins; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, with another expected in February.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Emmett Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Elements Kitchen + Bar (1825 Highway 16, Emmett). To honor Sally, donate to Make-a-Wish, the Pet Adoption League of Gem County, or a charity of your choice.
Sally was still contemplating legally changing her name just a month ago. While the records remained the same, she will always be, now and forever, our Sally.
Arrangements are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel.
Born August 30, 1935, to William (Bill) Richard Chamberlin and Margerie Blanche Cunningham Chamberlin in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Sally grew up in Moyie Springs with her brothers, Clint and William (Bill), and her sisters, Rosella and Lily.
She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1953, and immediately picked up a bookkeeping job at a clothing store.
She met Richard (Duane) Hodgins and the pair married on February 20, 1954, settling in Emmett, Idaho.
They had five children: Ramona Lynne, Sharon Lee, Marcia Louise, Kathryn Lucille, and Richard Earl. In true Sally fashion, all the kids renamed themselves. Lynne, Sheri, Marci, Kathy, and Rick kept their parents on their toes, but she was proud to see them grow up.
Nicknamed "The Human Calculator," Sally's bookkeeping skills came in handy at Imhoff & Lynch in Boise, City Transfer in Emmett, and across multiple rental properties. She scooped ice cream at the Emmett Albertsons, serving the biggest cones to Duane and his father, Earl; and folded papers for Emmett's Messenger-Index.
But Sally was most well-known as co-owner of Hodgins Realty and a Realtor herself. She served as vice president of the Emmett Valley Board of Realtors in 1982. She retired after several decades of making dreams come true for new homeowners.
Sally and Duane hosted many gatherings at their home of more than 50 years, including pool parties and birthday celebrations, along with Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
She loved playing Mrs. Claus and Santa with Duane, appearing frequently at Make-a-Wish and Candlelighters events. She also served as Girl Scout leader, a room mother, and baked cookies for the Ronald McDonald House.
Sally was a fixture around Emmett, often volunteering at events like the Cherry Festival and enjoying time with friends and family at various donut shops, the Arctic Circle, and Idaho Pizza Company.
A talented seamstress and crafter, Sally made many of her children's clothes, costumes, and Barbie outfits. She passed her skills down to her children and grandchildren (with varying degrees of success). She enjoyed puzzles, game shows, and the "Peanuts" character Sally. Shopping for her birthday with her daughters every year, Sally crafted a wardrobe of bright, floral prints.
Sally loved snowmobiling, and helped found the Cougar Mountain Snowmobile Club with Duane and other volunteers in 1971. The pair were also avid motorcyclists, visiting 49 states (they couldn't quite figure out how to ride fast enough to turn the bike into jet skis to reach Hawaii). Sally and Duane enjoyed eating their way up and down the Oregon Coast and adored making new friends as they snowbirded in Yuma, Arizona.
Sally and Duane had a cabin in McCall for many years, where they liked to keep the fire so hot the kids and grandkids they graciously invited to stay with them would go outside to cool off in the freezing temperatures.
Heartfelt thanks go to the kind nurses and workers at Meadow View Assisted Living and Memory Care, along with special gratitude for Abby and Stephanie of White Oak Hospice, who provided a peaceful and compassionate environment during her transition from this life to the next.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Margerie Chamberlin; her siblings, Clint, Bill, Rosella, and Lily; daughter-in-law Lori Yates Hodgins; and her grandson, Dustin Rood.
She is survived by Duane, her husband of nearly 71 years; her five children, Lynne (Dick) Thielges, Sheri (Aaron) Gray, Marci (Chris) Rood, Kathy (Todd) Elson, and Rick Hodgins; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, with another expected in February.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Emmett Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. at Elements Kitchen + Bar (1825 Highway 16, Emmett). To honor Sally, donate to Make-a-Wish, the Pet Adoption League of Gem County, or a charity of your choice.
Sally was still contemplating legally changing her name just a month ago. While the records remained the same, she will always be, now and forever, our Sally.
Arrangements are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Emmett Messenger Index from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2025.
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