Aloha Mae Hodges, 97, of Evart, passed away peacefully at Assisted LifeStyles Adult Care in Evart, MI on November 10, 2025.

Aloha was born June 19, 1928 in Muskegon, MI to Willard and Dorothy (Vegter) Albright. She attended several schools as she moved 7 times during her K-12 education and was Valedictorian of the Class of 1946 at Ravenna High School. She continued her education at Spring Arbor College for 2 years than 2 years at Greenville College graduating with a BS Degree. She went even further with her education at Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland where she earned her Bachelor's in Nursing.

This is also when she met her future husband in church, a young soldier in the US Army, who was stationed in Baltimore, Leon Duane Hodges. Aloha and Duane were married September 11, 1954 in Coopersville, MI. They were blessed with 4 children - Pamela, Douglas, Cynthia and Alice. They purchased a farm south of Evart in 1958 where she resided until her health failed in 2022.

Aloha worked at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, MI, Pontiac General Hospital and ended her Nursing Career at Reed City Hospital. Upon retiring as an RN in 1985, she volunteered at Blood Banks and taught Dietary Classes.

A perpetual student and her love for reading inspired her to serve on the Evart Library Board for years which led her to become the Evart Historical Museum Curator. She took great pride in preserving and displaying the History of the Evart Community as well as doing genealogy research for individuals all over the world.

Aloha loved the farm she helped manage for 65 years, especially her flower and vegetable gardens. She was involved in 4H as a leader for classes in: gardening, sewing, entomology, cooking, and small animals. She was a member of The South Evart Quilt Club and created many beautiful quilts for family and loved ones.

Aloha's number one love in life was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a lifelong member of the Free Methodist Church she loved to share that love through her piano and organ playing. Aloha was also involved in teaching Sunday school and Youth Groups. She served on many committees and was Conference Delegate for many years. Aloha always looked for the good in people as it was her belief that is what Jesus would do.

Aloha loved to travel and learn about the places she had read about. Every summer, while raising her family, she would plan a trip to places like Mt. Rushmore, Washington DC, Appalachian Mountains, Michigan’s UP, and even Canada. Aloha was an avid supporter of her kids and grandkids in sports, band or other extracurricular activities. Upon retirement she spent the winters in Lakeland, Florida.

Aloha is survived by: sisters, Betty (Robert) Truesdale of Marshall, MI and Leora Pontious of Homosassa, FL, her children - Pamela (Gene) Ryan of Evart, MI, Douglas (Karen) Hodges of Evart, MI, Cynthia (Jim) Pulsipher of Muskegon, MI and Alice (John) Burton of Wyoming, MI, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are: her parents, Willard and Dorothy Albright; husband, Duane; sisters, Delores (Coral) Lockwood & Wilma Vanderwest; brother, James (Nancy) Albright and numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Aloha's family is extremely thankful for the loving care and compassion she received in her final months at Assisted Lifestyles. They would also like to thank the Team at Hospice West Michigan for their unwavering support and care in her final weeks.

Services for Aloha will take place at the Evart Free Methodist Church on Friday, November, 14th at 1PM with visitation an hour prior. Aloha will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery immediately following the service with a luncheon to follow. Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Corey Funeral Home, Evart. Condolences can be left for Aloha's family by clicking the Tribute Wall tab.