Lyda Ellen Hodge

Lyda E. Hodge, 87, of New Philadelphia and formerly of Canton, put her walking shoes on one last time and walked into the loving arms of her Lord on June 30, 2015.

Born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1927, Lyda was the daughter of the late Robert J. and Carrie E. (Sickles) Steele.

After completing her formal education, Lyda married the late Hobart “Ray” Hodge in Canton on April 17, 1948. She immensely loved God and her family, devoting much of her time to growing in faith and caring for her family.

Lyda’s faith was nurtured much of her lifetime at the former St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Canton. More recently, she was a faithful servant of God and member at Otterbein United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Lyda was also a member of the United Methodist Women, an avid bowler, and member of card clubs.

Her family includes her daughter, Linda (Allen) Daugherty of New Philadelphia; son, Kenneth Hodge of Hendersonville, TN; her grandchildren, Carrie (David) Harris of Stow, Bryan (Kristi) Newell of Powell, Tara (Aaron) Oetting of Belvidere, IL, and David (Kelly) Hodge of Nashville, TN; 6 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Twylia Urban of Elizabeth, PA.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Kenneth and Leota (Mercer) Hodge; and one brother, two sisters, and one brother-in-law.

The Rev. Jon Long will officiate her graveside service on Thursday, July 2, 2015 beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the mausoleum at Sunset Hills Memory Garden, 7920 Frank Rd., North Canton, Ohio 44720.

Memorial contributions in Lyda’s memory may be directed to either the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Ave NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.