Helen J. Hodge , 100 of Collinsville, formerly of Eldorado, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in Glen Carbon IL. She was born in Eldorado on November 7, 1922 to the late Otto and Grace (Williams) Reeder.

On March 7, 1941 Helen married the love of her life, John Hodge, and the couple moved to St. Louis. While helping him through dental school, she worked as a bookkeeper for Wolff's Department Store. After John graduated, the couple returned to Eldorado, Illinois, where John started his dentistry practice and Helen was able to answer her true calling - being a mother and homemaker. John and Helen spent 79 years together before John's passing in 2020.

She took joy in raising her children and later spending time with her grandchildren, as well as gardening, canning, and cooking. She loved socializing with friends, regularly playing bridge and pinochle. Helen poured love into every life she touched, whether by sharing her famous fruitcakes, crocheting intricate works of art, or ensuring everyone left her home feeling even just a little more loved than they did when they arrived.

She is survived by four children, Rena Miller of Metropolis, Susie (Gary) Munton of Collinsville, IL, Cynthia (Dean) Gramlich of Chicago, IL and John (Rob) Hodge of Troy, IL; eight grandchildren, Larry Dale (Jennifer) Miller, John (Lori) Miller, Becky (Chris) Burgess, JoAnna Yates, Dr. Rodney (Beth) Asbrock, Dr. Kevin (Debbie) Asbrock, Sarah (Billy) Copeland, Dr. Danny (Jane) Beal, 24 great grandchildren, Autumn Henderson, Amber Miller, Kalen Miller, Jake Miller, Keaton Burgess, Cade Burgess, Kennedy Burgess, Abby Yates, Caroline Yates, Will Yates, John Ryan Asbrock, Maggie Asbrock, Elle Asbrock, Macy Copeland, Damein Copeland, Danielle Cain, Christian Beal, Nick Beal, Madison White, Stret Beal, Eli Beal, Yna Beal, Ayla Beal, Ysabella Beal; 11 great-great grandchildren, Ryden, Raynlie and Rosie White, Charlie Crowe, Maybree Henderson, Lawson and August Beal, Lane Yates, and Brooklyn, Madeline, Benjamin and Nicholas Cain; many nieces and nephews.

The legacy left with her many loved ones is a beautiful testament to the amazing matriarch and woman she was on this earth.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials to be made in Helen's name to Breast Cancer Awareness.

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E170259&id=4

or by mail

American Breast Cancer Foundation
10400 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 480
Columbia, MD. 21044

Celebrations of both the lives of Dr.  Hodge and Mrs. Hodge will be October 7, 2023 in Eldorado, Illinois with interment at Wolf Creek Cemetery.