Barbara Hodges-Leinhart

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - Barbara O. Hodges-Leinhart passed away peacefully, at home, on Saturday evening, Oct. 18, 2025.

Barbara was born on Aug. 17, 1945, to Roy and Ann Ollis living in Erwin, Tenn. Barbara spent her early years in Erwin until the family moved to Los Angeles and lived there for four years. They then returned to Erwin just prior to Barbara entering Unicou County High School, from where she graduated in 1963. Barbara then went on to earn degrees in chemistry and biology from East Tennessee State University. After college, Barbara spent many years employed by Iodent Corp. in Elizabethton, Tenn. Iodent was eventually bought out by the Conair Corp., and Barbara transitioned to a vice president position with Conair, working briefly at their California plant and then for 14 years at their Rantoul plant, during which time Barbara lived in Champaign. In March of 2000, Barbara and her husband, Denis Leinhart Sr., retired to the Moss Creek Community near Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 35 years, Denis Leinhart Sr.; stepson, Denis Leinhart Jr. of Bluffton, S.C.; first cousins, Junior Ollis and Harry Ollis of Erwin and Roy Ollis of Jonesboro, Tenn.; and a third cousin in the Ewin area.

Barbara was predeceased by her son, Todd Hodges, in 2007. Barbara was a member of St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church.

Barbara enjoyed using her chemistry education to be creative in the kitchen and was an outstanding cook. Besides cooking, Barbara enjoyed dancing, her evening scotch and water and watching her "NCIS," "Bluebloods" and "Matlock" TV shows. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend and will be greatly missed. Barbara will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery, Erwin.