Ramona Hodges

Ramona Hodges of Jonesboro, 71, beloved mother and wife, passed away Nov. 22, 2011, at her home with her loving children and husband by her side. She had endured a five-year battle with ALS. God's newest angel was raised in Leachville, Ark., was a majorette, and graduated from Arkansas State University with BSE in 1962; and obtained an MSE in 1979. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church since 1959 and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. Ramona retired in 2004 as co-director of Focus, Inc. and was founder of the Arkansas Parent Training Information regional center. She taught first grade and reading for 12 years prior in Jonesboro and Kennett, Mo. She loved her work as director and advocating for children with disabilities.

Mrs. Hodges had a library named for her by the National Parent Training Center for her 25 years of service advocating for children with disabilities. She was honored in Washington, D.C., for authoring books on child advocacy. She was past president of ECW, past VP of Junior Auxiliary and past facilitator of Phi Mu Sorority. She is our beautiful angel who won various beauty pageants and was known for her infectious laugh and her extraordinary personality and love of people.

Her hobbies included loving and caring for her children and grandchildren; traveling all over the world, golfing, swimming, and canoeing.

Some of her favorite places included the Spring River in Hardy, Destin, Fla., and Spain.

Visitation will be Tuesday beginning at 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 531 E. College, Jonesboro, followed by a memorial service beginning at 3 p.m. with a catered reception to follow. Rev. Jesse Perkins will officiate. A private family burial will be held at Leachville Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will include Doyle Gilliam, Lou Semrau, Don Clem, all of Jonesboro, Carl Buddy Selby and Bud Selby of Pensacola, Fla.; and Tom Tappmeyer of Springfield, Mo.

Survivors include her spouse, Wallis Hodges of Jonesboro; two sons, John Toombs of Destin, Fla., and Joe Hodges, Omaha, Neb.; two daughters, Laura Anne Thompson of Jonesboro and Stacy Chamberlain of Lawrence, Kan.; grandchildren, Abby Thompson, Drake Thompson, Jackson Thompson, all of Jonesboro, Megan Barnes of Trumann, Samantha Goza of Pace, Fla., and Bronwyn Toombs of Destin, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Madison and Avery Barnes of Trumann, and Grayce Goza of Pace, Fla.; a sister, Michele Charmaine "Micki" Gott, of Jonesboro; and her childhood friend, Fannie Edwards Macchia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.D. Hodges Jr. and Nanetta "Pat" Staudenmayer Hodges, and aunt, June Ola Staudenmayer.

Lasting memorials can be made to either St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 531 E. College, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401 or ALS Association, 670 Warwick Oaks Lane, Collierville, Tenn. 38017.

Online guestbook is www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.