Eva June Hodge

Friday, March 18, 2011

Eva June Hodge, 79, of Fayetteville and formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life Thursday, March 17, 2011, at Circle of Life Hospice House in Fayetteville. Born in Blytheville to John Francis Ellis and Ressie Melvina Ellis, she retired from Chickasawba Hospital due to her failing eyesight after 33 years of loyal service. Her family was her life. She was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was honored with a surprise birthday party June 10th for her 79th birthday. Her grandson, Marc Crosby, who was the light of her life, wheeled her into the party room where her family anxiously awaited her arrival. She threw up her arms in surprise as she studied every face carefully, and then exclaimed, "Everyone is here!" It was a great tribute to a beautiful lady.

Eva June, or as she was affectionately known by all as 'Tootoo," enjoyed the annual trips to Florida with her daughter and son-in-law, Ben and Kim Crosby and her grandson Marc Crosby. She spent as much time as she could at Hardy on Spring River with her family. Her favorite things to do there were sitting on the deck in the early morning, just relaxing, drinking her coffee, and listening to nature. She loved playing canasta with her twin great-nephews, Phil and Brandon Robinson, and their friends, especially Chris Diemer. One of her passions was singing karaoke. She would spend hours belting out song after song. During the summer months she always looked forward to spending time with her beloved nephew, Richard Oates in Memphis, and nieces, Suzie Stallings in Blytheville and Janet Gargas in Dyersburg, Tenn. There was no shortage of fun and pampering during these visits.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Frank, Fulton and John Abner Ellis; and a sister, Lois Brazeal.

She leaves one daughter, Kim Crosby and her husband, Ben, of Fayetteville;

A grandson, Marc Crosby of Chattanooga and his fiancée, Jennifer Pendergrass of Fayetteville;

Nephews Richard Oates and his wife Sharon of Memphis, Chuck Ellis and his wife Carol of Pontiac, Mo.;

Nieces, Karen Ellis of Memphis, Suzie Stallings and her husband, Mike, of Blytheville, and Janet Gargas and her husband, David, of Dyersburg, Tenn.; and

A host of other family and many wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Cobb Funeral Home with Mr. Billy Holifield officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Monday at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be e-mailed to cobbfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net