Helen Hodges

Helen Josephine Hodges, 102, 22 March 2014 in Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living. She was born 8 July 1911 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Dr. Leonard Spratt Johnston and Jessie Hall Schwenck. She married Harold Houson Hodges. They were married in Jonesboro on 15 April 1936.

Helen was literally born and raised in her parents home in Jonesboro, Arkansas until she left home to be married at age 24. She had a very happy childhood with her two brothers, L.S., Jr. and Robert, and other neighborhood children. Her favorite childhood past-time was collecting paper dolls, and she loved sewing clothes for her dolls. Her daddy bought one of the first automobile in Jonesboro when Helen was about 5 years old. Their family was very active in the local Presbyterian church. Vacation Bible school was one of the highlights of her summers growing up. Helen was very musical. She belonged to several music clubs and choirs, and began taking piano lessons at an early age and eventually taught lessons herself. She graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1929, and then graduated in 1932 from Arkansas A&M College with a degree in Home Economics. She worked for many years as a dental assistant and bookkeeper for her father. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Harold. They chose the 15th of April 1936 to be married because Harold got paid on the 1st and 15th of the month for his work at the City Light and Water Plant. Harold was taking correspondence courses in civil and electrical engineering, which eventually led them to open their own business, Home Electric Supply Co. During the Depression and War years, money was scarce, but Helen and Harold were both active in civic clubs and the Red Cross. They loved to dance and to play cards with their many friends. They had two children, Linda Jean and Jerry. As the children grew, Helen and Harold were leaders in the P.T.A. and Scouting, as well as their church auxiliaries. The family vacationed on the Black River, and later, Lake Norfolk where they water skied and fished. In retirement, Helen and Harold traveled the world and bought a condominium in Florida for the winter months. In May 1999, they left Arkansas and moved to St. George, Utah to be near their daughter, Jean. They took the missionary lessons after reading the Book of Mormon and receiving a spiritual witness of its truthfulness. They were both baptized on Halloween Day 1999 at the ages of 88 and 89, respectively. Helen was a great example of enduring to the end in her last few years as she longed to be with her husband again and her family members on the other side of the veil. She loved her life, and those of us who knew her were so blessed to be a part of that happy, full life. She will be greatly missed, but we know that she is rejoicing to be moving forward in her eternal progression.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Jean Rappleye, and husband George Bryce Rappleye of St. George. Her son, Jerry Johnston Hodges, most recently of Boulder, Colorado. Her granddaughter, Shannon Gale Brown and husband Bradford of Mapleton, Utah. Her grandson John Bruce Roberts. Her grandson Jared Joseph Roberts and wife Hideyo of Syracuse, Utah. Her grandson Brigham Harold Roberts and wife Beth of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Her granddaughter Leilani Helen Zufelt and husband Justin of Cedar City, Utah. Her grandson Ryan Johnston Hodges and wife Nikki of Laredo, Texas. And numerous great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Foremaster LDS Chapel located at 912 S. 1740 E., St. George, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral.

Interment will be Tonaquint Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charitable organization in Helen’s name.