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Mary Ellen Hodges, 81, a resident of Belen, passed into God's Kingdom on April 3, 1999 at the family home, after a long struggle with illness. She was born on August 14, 1917 in Quemado, NM, the eldest daughter of D. Frank and Pearl Trainer. Although she was not born in Belen, most of her life was spent in Belen. In her earlier years, she was active in a number of civic and social organizations, which included, the Lions Club Auxiliary, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and Buddy Poppy (chairwomen). In 1997, a proclamation was issued by the Mayor of Belen, Proclaiming August 14, 1997 to be"Mary Ellen Hodges Day". After the death of her husband, she joined the work force as an employee of Ranchers Bank in Rio Communities until her retirement. Her gentle manner, her caring selfless way, her enormous capacity for love and compassion, and her quick smile and wonderful laugh, will be forever remembered. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Benny L. Hodges in 1969, her father in 1971, and her mother in 1983. She is survived by her only sister, Sarah, and husband, Jim Parrinello; her three children, Ron Hodges and his wife, Robin of Ruidoso, Benny Hodges and his wife, Mary Ellen of Belen, and Sue Ellen Ness and her husband, Everett of Socorro. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mary Ellen's entire life was devoted to, and her greatest joy was derived from her family. There will be a viewing on Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Belen. Interment will follow in the Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Trevor Hodges, Travis Hodges, Benjamin Hodges, Joshua Hodges, Chris Albrecht, and Kyle Goret. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main, Belen.
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