Garnett Shirley Hordemann

In Loving Memory of Garnett Shirley Hodemann

August 23, 1931 – September 15, 2025

Garnett Shirley Hodemann, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 15, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. She was 94.

Born in Brisbane, California, to Harvey Oliver Royce and Peta Mae Royce, Garnett lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. She proudly served her country as a Navy Air Traffic Controller from 1951 to 1956 in Pensacola, Florida. After her service, she earned her degree from Eastern Washington University and went on to become a devoted grade schoolteacher, touching countless young lives with her love for children and education.

In 1961, Garnett married the love of her life, James E. Hodemann. Together, they built a home in Spokane, where she lived for over 65 years. Her passion for nurturing extended beyond the classroom-she was a tireless volunteer, serving as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, classroom helper, and creator of art programs where none existed. She lovingly sewed costumes for tap dancing and ice skating, always putting others before herself.

Even during quiet moments, Garnett's selflessness shone through-whether patiently reading while her son rode his motorcycle or knitting gifts with care. She was a proud member of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and service.

Garnett is survived by her son Brett Hodemann, daughter Janet Biggerstaff, brother Byron Royce, grandsons Matthew Biggerstaff (Jamie) and Nolan Biggerstaff (Karla), and great-grandchildren Tommy, Evie, and Seth Biggerstaff. She is preceded in death by her husband Jim Hodemann, her parents Harvey and Peta Mae Royce, brothers Floyd and Bob Royce, and sisters Rochelle and Corinne Royce.

A celebration of Garnett's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, WA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joya Child and Family Development, formerly Spokane Guild's School, honoring Garnett's lifelong devotion to children.

Garnett's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved and taught. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to others will never be forgotten.