A long-time Salina radio personality has passed away. Nancy Hodges passed away Tuesday afternoon following a battle with leukemia.
The 88-year-old Hodges was heard on KSAL’s “Friendly Fire” for nearly 14 years. Hodges was the co-host of the show from October 31st, 2005, through August 2nd, of 2019.
On her last show Hodges said she enjoyed her years on the radio, and made many friends.
Hodges was known for having a kind heart. She spoke often of her love for her family, including her dogs.
Her son “Boo” posted “My Mom died today very peacefully. Please be kind to total strangers, take care of children and animals , and enjoy each day on this earth. She spent her whole life like that.”
She was born on August 16, 1933 in Lawrence, Kansas to Josephine Jacqmain and Paul Hutton. Her early years were spent on her grandfather Octave Jacqmain’s farm outside Fort Smith, Arkansas with her younger sister Jane.
Nancy graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas, where she competed in several varsity sports, winning the Hill Badminton Championship four straight years. She married Merle Alvadore Hodges in 1954 and they spent their early married life in Mobile, Alabama during his time in the USAF.
A Salina resident since 1966, Nancy was an active community volunteer, serving on many different boards and commissions. She was one of the founding members of Salina’s first daycare center, now the Salina Child Care Association; led the Saline County Humane Association and advocated for Salina’s first animal control ordinance; was an active member of the Saline County Democrats; and was appointed by former President Jimmy Carter to lead the state’s White House Conference on Families Year of the Child initiative. She was also a Sunday School teacher and Vestry member at Christ Cathedral; a competitive tennis player and USTA coach; a 2011 Women of Achievement honoree; a USD305 substitute teacher; and a longtime co-host of KSAL’s Friendly Fire.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Merle A. Hodges; sister Jane Hutton Stievater and brother-in-law Robert; and daughter Dr. Melissa Ann Hodges. She is survived by her son Dr. Boo Hodges (Melissa Rose); granddaughter Elizabeth (Nicole) grandsons Matthew; Ted (Taylor); and Grant (Jillian); great-grandchildren Gage, Kai, Laiklyn, Eleanor and James; and her beloved pets.
A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter (329 N. 2nd St, Salina, KS 67401) or the Salina Child Care Association (155 N. Oakdale Ave, Suite 100, Salina, KS 67401).
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com
