Ivah Earlene Hodges, Hollister, MO, daughter of David and Osie (Peck) Root, was born January 22, 1930 in Chivington, CO and departed the life on November 2, 2019 at the age of 89.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen Hodges; one brother, Charlie Root; three sisters, Elvira Skinner, Mary Helen Lakrone and Clara Faye Seals.

Survivors include: two sons, Ivan Hodges of MO and Rick Hodges and wife, Debbie of Hollister, MO; one daughter, Lawnetta Barker and husband, Ray of Green Forest, AR; one brother, Larry Root of Phoenix, AR; one sister, Lola Mae Kelly of Tahlequah, OK; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and a host of other family and friends.

Following are exerts Earlene had written about herself not long ago:

"Yes, I will soon be 90!  I've lived a life full of family, friends, love, a wonderful marriage, but first and foremost…the love of my Lord Jesus!  I met my husband, Glen in church at age 16.  He borrowed his Dad's car for our first date driving out to the country with a sack of fireworks.  And for 60 years the fireworks remained in our hearts.  I grew up in a happy home full of children…3 older and 3 younger than me.  My favorite memory is skating through the neighborhood, and getting a Shirley Temple doll for Christmas at age 9.

As our family grew, my husband, Glen worked for Boeing Aircraft, and later was a pastor for various churches, while I pursued my talent for cooking.  Working for a high school in Phoenix, I cooked for 1,000 students and staff each day.  We enjoyed working for the churches playing music and singing our favorite gospel songs.  A special talent I had was embroidering which I learned in a one room schoolhouse in the 4 ^th grade.  My favorite food?  Homemade banana ice cream.  Most important thing I learned?  To trust in the Lord with all my heart!  My favorite Bible verse?  John 3:16!"

No service is planned at this time.  Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City, MO.