Merlyn Roberta Hodges

August 31, 1939 - December 19, 2020

Merlyn Roberta Hodges, 81, of Stockton, CA, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2020, from a brain hemorrhage. Merlyn was born and raised in Yuba City where she lived for forty years before a job transfer relocated her to the Stockton-Lodi area. She fondly recalled her years growing up in Yuba City and the fun she had with friends, family, and neighbors. When she was young, she loved cap guns, tree climbing, and playing softball. She was a proud alumni of Central Gaither Elementary and Yuba City High School where she made many lifelong friendships. After graduating from high school in 1957, she married the man of her dreams, Melvin Hodges, and they remained married for over fifty years. As an older adult, her passions were binge watching all 20 seasons of Law and Order and gambling at Indian casinos. Some say she never met a slot machine she didn't like. She was a loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. She was also extremely close to her small group of lifelong friends and family, who became even more important as the years went by and the group started to shrink. She also loved every job she ever had. Her career as a bookkeeper and accountant with Del Monte Corporation spanned forty years until she retired in 1996. Immediately after retiring, Silgan Containers, LLC asked her to consult on a project in Vancouver, Washington, which led to a 20-year career with Silgan in Stockton and Modesto. She didn't retire again until she was well into her seventies. Merlyn is survived by her children: Dean (Lupe) Hodges and Bradley (Estelle) Hodges of Woodland, Dawna (Ronald) Popejoy of Rio Rancho, NM, and Melanie (Thomas) Caldwell of Stockton; and her grandchildren: Valerie (Brandi) Arteaga of Brighton, Colorado, Malik and Jalen Muhammad and Tahriq Caldwell all of Stockton, Benjamin Foster of Las Vegas, NV, Taylor Caldwell of Sacramento, Josh Springer of San Diego, and Harrison Hodges of Woodland. Merlyn was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Hodges (2009); her parents, Roland (1977) and Violet Ware (2005); and her siblings Cirveda Tucker (2014), Vevalyn Lloyd (2013), Malvin Ware (2019), and Virene Lane (2009). A graveside service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Sutter Cemetery, with Jim Anderson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel.