Beverly J. Hoden, 92, of Englewood, Florida died peacefully on November 20, 2021, with her youngest daughter and husband of 71 years at her side. She was born July 28, 1929 in Warren, Pennsylvania to the late Lloyd B. and Ella M. (Lesser) Jones. She was the dozenth child of fifteen born to her parents.
Bev married her high school sweetheart, George Hoden, on May 13, 1950. Their love of family was rooted in their own respective traditions, both from very large extended families. Holidays were never boring, and the importance of family and community was always a guiding force.
Bev was happiest, yet strict, as the mother of her four children. Everyone knew what she expected (which was a high bar), and when she was unhappy (which was not often). She had an incredible ability to be both maternal and directive. If you were able to see that in her, you were able to be in her inner circle of love. Bev had a keen business and organizational ability like so many of her family. She returned to work before being an empty nester to work at Rexnord in Warren in a variety of roles suited to her interests and abilities. She believed education was central to uplifting her children and society, and she encouraged her family to achieve and succeed in those endeavors.
She loved spending time with her close family and friends, both in Warren and, later in Florida. Days were best when they were full of activity and continuous conversation. There was never a dull moment, and boredom was not tolerated with the world having so much to offer. In retirement, she and George moved to Englewood in the winter and spent summers in Ellicottville, New York. Bridge, golf (including a hole-in-one a few years back), book groups, and extensive travel became an ever-bigger part of her life in her later years, and she relished the beauty of sunsets, visits with family and friends and the competition of sports. Bev loved parties, a perfectly set table, good manners, and conversation sprinkled in with a little gossip. The joy of being a grandparent and great-grandparent expanded her matriarchal influence in a positive way in the lives of her offspring and their families. Her optimism, strength and longevity inspired us all to reflect, be grateful, and—most of all—to have fun and to embrace humor, especially through adversity. She will be greatly missed and will always be with us.
Bev is survived by her husband George and sister Bonnie J. Wolfe of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and her children Dan of Warren, Beth (John Mickinak) of Greensburg, Sue Reinke (Marvin) of Lewistown, and Toby (Nancy Ameen) of Philadelphia. Her nine grandchildren, Lisa (Nick) Radio, George (Louisa) Hoden, Madeleine (Travis) Pittman, Molly (Chris) Loggins, Alex Mickinak, Kara Reinke, Lucas (Sierra) Reinke, Olivia Hoden, Justin Hoden and six great grandchildren, Bryce Radio, Zachary Radio, Penelope Hoden, Oscar Hoden, Christopher Loggins, and Jeremiah Loggins. Bev was preceded in death by her daughter in-law Annie Claire (Dan), her ten sisters –Leah Miley, Beatrice Host, Elaine Rader, Deleo Reiff, Janyce Bunk, Ethelyn McGuire Jorn, Vida Jean Stout, Marilyn Rose, Anita Jones, and Nancy Oliphant; and, her three brothers Leonard, Bruce and Robert Jones.
A celebration of her life will be held at a future date to be determined. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34238 and at tidewellfoundation.org/donate. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
George, we were so sorry to hear about Bev. She was a special lady and we still missed seeing you guys all the time around. Our condolences to everyone in your family.
Our deepest sympathy to George and Family. Our parents, Jim and Bette Gotto, enjoyed your friendship so much! I enjoyed babysitting for your four wonderful children! Love and prayers to you all.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family Dan.
Dan, Sorry to hear about your Mom. Great Lady. Prayers to George and the rest of the family.
George, Dan, Beth, Sue, Toby and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful Mother.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
She always had the greatest smile and really enjoyed life to the fullest. And who wouldn’t want it to be any other way. My sincere sympathies to all.
George and Dan,
I was saddened when I heard about Bev’s passing. From my first day at Rexnord it was clear that she was a special lady and a better person. She was looked up to by all the girls there who looked to her for guidance and fun.
As a boss, I could not have asked for a better, more loyal and concientious employee. I fondly remember the old posting machine clicking away as she did her job, and ALWAYS made sure it was right. My kids called her “the quarter lady” because every time they came in to visit, Bev gave each of them a quarter.
Her yearly Christmas card was a labor and something we looked forward to. We’ll surely miss her smile and wit.
Please accept our sincere sympathies.
George, Dan, Beth, Sue and Toby, My sincere condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of Bev (and George) as being two really great parents back in the day. It’s really great that she had a long and fruitful life. I’ll be thinking of you all at this time.
Sue and family
Sending my sympathies and prayers
George, Dan and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Bev. She was a great lady and always a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.
Jim Suppa (Sup)
Mr. Hoden and All the Family, we are truly sorry for your loss. We have many memories with the families! We enjoyed our Florida visit with you and Mrs. Hoden and know she will be truly missed.
Barb ( Jerman) & Dick White
George, I was saddened to hear about Bev. I have many good memories of our friendship.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Catherine Kraft
George and family,
We were saddened to learn of Bev’s passing and our condolences to your family. My fond remembrances go way back to Barnes as the Jones and Hoden families have been part of my entire life.
Deepest sympathies to all. Generations of families, stories told, memories to treasure. A long life lived, denied to many. God bless you all at this sad time.
Dear George and family:
Please accept our sincere condolences of Bev’s passing. Ron and I will always remember her kindness and her smart wit. She was an interesting person with her many experiences in life. She was also a Warren Historian, of sorts. She knew everyone in town, or she was related to them. She will be remembered for her friendliness and that sweet smile.
May she rest in peace.