Ruth B. Hodge
June 19, 1935- July 11, 2019
Ruth B. Hodge, 84, of Richmond, VA went to be with the Lord on July 11, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, John P. Ballman and Mary DeLeyla Ballman, and her brother, G. Robert Ballman. She is survived by her brother, John S. Ballman, her devoted husband, William H. Hodge, and her children, Leyla Logan (Calvin), Alan Hodge (Ann), Holly Dunham (Dan) and Sherri Gantek (Ted), her twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ruth grew up in Evanston, IL, graduating as valedictorian from New Trier High School in the class of 1953. Ruth earned her BA at University of Michigan where she met William Hodge. Married for 60 years, they raised their four children in Annandale, VA. Growing up, Ruth’s children thrived under her watchful and loving care. She encouraged them to meet high academic and moral standards, and her life served as their model.
An education major in college, Ruth taught history for a number of years before becoming a mother. From then on, she served her family, community and church, and developed several programs to help others.
Ruth will be remembered for the heartfelt love she had for her family and friends, her kind gentle spirit and especially her trademark smile.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 18 at 2pm at Lakewood’s Simms Center, 1900 Lauderdale Dr., Henrico, VA. Memorial contributions may be sent to VBH Foundation, 3961 Stillman Pkwy, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Sincere condolences to Ruth’s family and loved ones, especially Holly. We lived on the same street in Annandale in the 70s and Holly and my daughter Chris were inseparable. Ruth was a lovely, caring woman who always had a smile on her face. Rest in peace Ruth.
Ruth was a dear friend of many years. She was such a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. We enjoyed many years together at Parkwood Baptist Church. She will be missed by so many.