Melba Hodge, 78, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 in a local hospital. She was born on May 14, 1937 in Hartford, Arkansas to Claud and Ida (Lowrey) Hammons. She was the former owner and operator of Warner West Cleaners in Huntington Beach, California. She was an active member of Evangel Temple and was in the Pacesetters Sunday School Class. Melba was a collector of many things and had two different booths at Antique Malls. During Christmas she always baked fudge for all her friends. Melba loved to help people.
Funeral services will be 10:00AM, Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Hartford Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
She is survived by her daughter, Dianna Kavigan and her husband Steve of Yucca Valley, CA; one son, David Matney of Denver, Colorado; one sister, Norma Black and her husband Derrick of Mansfield, AR; two brothers, Don Hammons and his wife Leonette of Mansfield, AR and William Hammons of Wichita, KS; her longtime friend and caregiver, Jeanette Bowers of Fort Smith, Arkansas; a special niece, Carolyn Hall of Tulsa, OK; three grandchildren, Hayley Monge and Daniel and Lindsey Matney; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Scott and Jeff Hall, Kenny Newman, Zachary King and John Jetton.
The family will visit with friends from 5-7PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial may be made to the Pacesetters Sunday School Class C/O Evangel Temple 1110 South 12th Street Fort Smith, AR 72901.

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