Wanda V. Hodgson, age 77 of Miles City, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 3rd, 2018. Wanda was born in Melstone, Montana on Feb. 1st, 1941 to Russell and Vera Martin. She was the youngest of three children.
As a child, Wanda and her family lived in many of the small communities along the Milwaukee Railroad, including Butte, Forsythe, Ismay, Mobridge S.D., and Miles City, following her father’s various job assignments with the railroad. Her family didn’t own a car in those days and traveled by train on the Milwaukee. Wanda shared many fond memories of those small towns as a child, but also remembered the difficulties of being the new kid at school all the time.
Wanda graduated from Custer County High School in 1959. While in high school, she met her husband of nearly 55 years, Willie Hodgson. Willie enlisted in the Air Force while Wanda was still in school and served five years. Wanda and Willie kept in touch with letters over those years, and they were married on July 27th, 1963 after he finished his service. They have lived in Miles City ever since and raised four children.
While raising her children, Wanda also worked as a book keeper for local businesses Miles City. She later started working at the K-mart store in Miles City as a book keeper when the store was first opened. She worked at K-mart for 23 years in various jobs until her retirement.
As a young person, Wanda loved to dance the jitterbug at the Harmony Hangout in Miles City. She enjoyed music from her era, including Frank Sinatra and Elvis. At home, she enjoyed playing music on her organ and singing as well.
Wanda was most of all a wonderful wife and mother. She was an incredibly loving person who put her family first always. She enjoyed picnics and other family gatherings. She enjoyed just sitting outside in the summer evenings with her children and other kids from the neighborhood playing nearby. When her children grew up and her boys moved away, she really cherished the times when they could all get together with her for holidays.
Later in life, she cherished being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She also loved her Scottish Terriers and treated them with the same love and care as the rest of her family.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Vera Martin, her brother Russell Martin, and three nephews. She is survived by her husband Willie, her sister Nancy Griesgraber and husband Joe, her son Wade and wife Jeannie, her son Wayne, her daughter Wendy, and her son Wesley and wife Kellie. She is also survived by four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family also wants to acknowledge Wanda’s niece Janell Hodgson Certain who provided weeks of loving care to Wanda at the hospital during her illness.
Graveside services will be held at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City on Tuesday, May 8th at 11 am, followed by a reception and lunch at the VFW in Miles City. All family and friends are invited. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Alane Stabler says
To Wanda’s family and loved ones,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Wanda at Kmart and I remember her as a hard working woman.
My deepest sympathy.
Guy Lund says
So sorry to see Wanda’s passing. I have known the family for many years. I have always liked Wanda and was able to keep updated through Wendy. May she rest in peace.
Larry & Leona Dann says
So sorry for your loss. Wanda was a wonderful woman and will be missed a lot.
Ken n Karen Strobel says
So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all
Kelly Thibault says
So sorry for your loss. Kelly Thibault
Eugene and Connie Bankey says
Our Prayers and our condolences to all your family on Wanda’ s passing.Many years of pleant memories -Gene and Connie Bankey
Shari Swanson says
Wanda and I lived in each other’s pocket during high school. This news touches me deeply. She was always concerned about her friends, are they happy? And we had times that were precious and fun and crazy and outrageous. We knew each other’s secrets and she accepted my many faults. Only a best friend will do that. I hope I accepted hers. I knew the family. Russell married into my extended family. I am crushed. I want her family to know how loved she was and how good she was to me There are few friends who leave that special memory when they are gone. And would you believe that Wanda was always quiet and thoughtful? She gave of her presence.
Carolyn Kimball says
Wendy and family,
Find your peace in each other, and let the memories bring you comfort.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
To all of Wanda’s family our sincere sympathy. Such a gentle soul. Enjoyed our visit just a couple weeks ago.
Rachel Ledin says
My deepest sympathy to all of Wanda’s family during this difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of the Hodgson family, We are so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing.our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead,We pray God’s blessing be with you all.
Ruben and June Opp
Bob and Charlotte Grover says
So sorry to learn about Wanda’s passing. I so enjoyed her in high school. She was so much fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Bob and Charlotte Grover
Beth (Petro) Brunk says
Wendy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with your Mom when she stopped in at work. I am thinking of you all.
Shelley Killen says
Wade and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Melva Curnan says
Willie and family, we’re so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Garth Sleight says
Wendy, Wes, and Hodgson Family:
I so sorry to hear about your loss. I send you my sincere condolences at this very sad time.
James Arneson says
Hodgson family;
I am sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. I remember being one of the kids from the neighborhood when we were all younger and I remember your mom watching us across the street at school. I send my sincere condolences.
Patricia (Kenney) Hofferber says
Willie and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing I was so hoping to see her when I came home to visist my sister, Peg. The last time I was home which was a couple of years ago – Lynne Kron had a birthday party for me – Wanda, Marcie, Bonnie, and Francis were there we had such a good time together. I will miss her smiling face. She was very special to me. Patty
Deb Bickel says
Willie, Wendy and family, we are so very sorry to hear of your recent loss of Wanda. Peace be with all of you at this time. God bless. Randy and Deb Bickel
Darbie Karch and family says
Sending my condolences to your family.? Wanda was a very caring and loving person and will be missed by all.
SO says
To the family and friends of Wanda sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God’s loving arms at this difficult time. Psalms 147:3
Sacramenta Landrum says
My deepest condolences to the Hodgson family and friends for the loss of your loved one Wanda. You will be reunited with Wanda again very soon right here on a brand new Paradise Earth no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-5.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Hodgson Family,
So sorry to hear about Wanda. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Jessie Beehler says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers
Gary & Rhonda says
Colonel : I am so so sorry for your loss. The good Lord let’s ius Stuart his children for what seems as to short of a time. Keep a hold of your memories good,bad,or the ones you have forgotten they will keep you until you meet again. God bless you and your family. GT
Beth Ann says
So sorry to read about Wanda. Wendy and Willy, my prayers are with you.
Shorty&Judy Brush says
So Sorry for your loss praying for God to give you the strength now and in the days to come
Doug Ellingson says
Willie,Wade,Wayne,Wendy,and whole family. Our condolences on your loss of Wanda. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Williams Family says
The death of a loved one is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are those who care about you and your family during this difficult time and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. Jehovah is the God of all comfort. My prayers are with you and your family.
V. Thompson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Wanda Hodgson. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God’s promise to soon “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
Vern and Eileen Entzel says
Hodgson family
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Jan Munroe says
I first met Wanda when I taught Wesley in grade shool. She was wonderful to work with as a parent. Wesley was a great student and showed he had been raised by loving and caring parents. I am so sorry you have lost this lovely lady.
Stacey Magnuson says
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Wanda and we wish you all comfort and peace during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Stacey Magnuson (Ledin), Rachel Ledin, and Matthew Ledin (Nancy’s grandchildren)
Beth Ann & Miles Milligan says
My memories of Wanda were when I was young and she and my sister and several other girls in high school (they were 10 years older than me!) would gather at our house and they’d let me in on some of their visiting, but mostly not invited when it turned to boys! Wanda was a fun addition to our family. We all loved her and now miss her. But those memories will keep her foremost in our minds. Pam and Wanda are together again forever this time! Willie, you and your family are in our prayers always!