Emma Louise Hodges

April 20, 1934 – February 4, 2026

Emma Louise Hodges, age 91 years and 10 months, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026. She was born on April 20, 1934, in Denair, California, to Tobias and Jennie Bogue.

Emma grew up in the Central Valley, raised on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith. She remained on the farm until the age of 22, when she discovered her calling in education. Emma devoted 28 years in elementary education to Denair Elementary School. She loved working with and teaching children, Emma helped shape generations of young minds. Her kindness and steady presence left a lasting imprint, especially on children who came from difficult home lives.

It was at a church tent revival that Emma's life changed forever. She met Julian Lee through his sister, Mary. Lee was one of 13 children and Emma was an only child. For Lee, it was immediate love—he knew right away that Emma was the one. Emma, however, took a few months before she knew that Lee was her one and only. In time, their unwavering affection for each other blossomed into a lifelong partnership grounded in love, faith, commitment, and family.

Emma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee, whose love and devotion to her was evident to all who knew them.

Emma is survived by her loving children: Lorna; her son Mark and his wife Terri; and her daughter Jennie and her husband Phil. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Denver, Jonathan, Robert, Derek, Gavin, David, Ashtyn, Hannah and Jarred. Plus12 great-grandchildren, and her cherished sisters and brothers-in-law.

Family was the cornerstone of Emma's life. She never met a stranger, and her home was always open. She was loyal, steadfast, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

Emma's life revolved around her faith in Christ. She was a member and actively involved in ladies' ministries at Bethel Temple in Turlock, serving faithfully. It was over 21 years ago that her husband Lee passed and Emma felt that she needed to be with her daughter Jennie, son-in-law Phil, grandchildren Derek, Ashtyn, and Jarred in Fresno. So at the age of 70, she left the street that she had lived on all of her life to start a new chapter. Since moving to Fresno, Emma attended and became a member at Cross city Christian Church. She participated in Seniors Bible Study and worked with under privileged children's ministries under Jim, Corrao and his wife Linda.

Growing up, Emma and Lee made sure their family was in church at least twice a week. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived.

Emma had a remarkable gift for hospitality and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. She had a special heart for the elderly, often baking and delivering treats to nursing homes. She made sure to visit those who had no family and was constantly preparing meals for friends and relatives who were ill or in need.

She loved baking, visiting family, and gathering with her large extended Hodges family in Fresno. As a homemaker, she carried herself with both maternal warmth and traditional values. She also enjoyed summer road trips to Wisconsin and other parts of the United States.

Emma will be remembered as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her time with family and dear friends.

Her life reflected purpose, love, and steadfast faith. The countless children she taught, the friends she comforted, and the family she nurtured are living proof of a life well lived.

Visitation will be held Wednesday March 4, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Farewell Funeral Home, 660 W. Locust Ave. Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93650

A Celebration of life service for Emma's remarkable life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Cross City Christian Church 2777 East Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720

A Graveside Service will be held following the Celebration in Fresno. Please join the family at Denair Cemetery at 3:00 pm

2501 E. Zeering Rd, Denair, California 95316

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a local hospice organization in Emma's honor.

"She was a big part of the foundation and strength in our family — unwavering, devoted, loyal, and gracious."