Rose Marie Hodges

Rose Marie Hodges, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and soon-to-be great-grandmother, entered eternal life on March 7, 2026. Born on July 10, 1941, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Clarence and Rose (Standish) Hoffman, she moved with her family to Yuma, Arizona, as a child. Known as “Sandy” for her sandy blond hair, she spent her youth enjoying the Arizona sunshine and working as a lifeguard. She graduated from Yuma Union High School before pursuing her calling to care for others.

In 1962, Rose Marie earned her Nursing Diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Phoenix and later completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She devoted her career to serving as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room, NICU, and with Maricopa County Public Health Services, where she specialized in coordinating care for individuals with spinal cord injuries and rehabilitation needs. Her expertise was recognized when she was selected to help establish national certification standards for care coordination professionals. She retired after many years of dedicated service to her patients in Arizona.

In August 1965, she married Roger Hodges. Their marriage, marked by love, laughter, and partnership, spanned more than 55 years as they moved between California and Arizona before settling in Phoenix. Rose Marie lovingly cared for her mother, who lived with the family for many years, and together with Roger she helped oversee the care of several elderly family friends. Her life was defined by compassion and generosity, always placing the needs of others before her own. She had a special heart for those less fortunate and found joy in card games, video games, bingo, classic Westerns, and playing penny slot machines. She loved to laugh and was known for greeting visitors with small gifts, a reflection of her thoughtfulness. Her grandchildren cherished her storytelling.

Rose Marie is survived by her three sons, Jeffrey (Mary), Timothy (Kevin), and Stephen; and her grandchildren, Marie (Jacques), Nicholas, and Bridget (Garrett). She was overjoyed to learn shortly before her passing that two great-grandchildren would arrive later this summer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her parents; and her step-sister.