Linda Mae (Howard) Hodges

Linda Mae Hodges, 78, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. She was born January 25, 1947 to Lloyd Randall and Reta Mae (Cobb) Howard in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Linda grew up in Pawnee City, where she attended Pawnee City Public Schools.

She began breaking barriers early in life, becoming the first woman hired to work in the laboratories of Phillips Petroleum Company. Her pioneering career took her from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Houston, Texas, where she not only built a successful professional life but also met her husband, Ronald Hodges. After retiring, Linda returned to her hometown of Pawnee City, where she poured her passion and leadership into the community.

Linda founded the Southeast Nebraska Community Band, started local water aerobics classes, and coached and supported the high school golf teams. Her efforts reflected her love of music, fitness, and her unwavering commitment to the enrichment of others. Linda lived life to the fullest, staying active in both mind and body. In her younger years she spent countless hours bowling and playing softball. Later in life, Linda especially enjoyed golfing and swimming; and could often be found encouraging others to join her in activities that promoted well-being and camaraderie. Her warmth, drive, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Hodges; her parents, Lloyd and Reta Howard; infant sister, Diana Howard; and her brother, Randy Howard.

Linda is survived by her loving family: sisters Lizabeth Howard and Leora Hofmann both of Pawnee City; brothers Richard Howard and wife Sally of Sioux City, IA, Rodney Howard and wife Rhonda of Seward, NE; nieces Lauri Chandler and husband Neal and children, Grady, Carly, and Lily of Pleasanton, NE, Allison Chandler and children Sam and Jack of Overland Park, KS, Michelle Harris and husband Jeff of Leawood, KS, Tracy Hofmann and husband Josh Wissler of Weed, CA, Jerri Lynn McWilliams and Matt Habeger of Sioux City, IA; and nephews Ben Duncan and wife Megan of Bellevue, NE, and Dan Mitchell and wife Nicole of Stillwater, OK; as well as many cousins and friends.

Linda's request was to be cremated with a private family burial.

Memorials may be made in her honor to local Pawnee City community programs that reflect her passions; Southeast Nebraska Community Band, Pawnee City Swimming Pool or Pawnee City High School Golf program.

Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted with Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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