Teddy Merland Hodges

MALTA - Teddy Merland Hodges, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday afternoon on Dec. 15, 2014, with his loving family at his side.

He was born Aug. 19, 1926, in Ashton, Idaho, to William Larain Hodges and Nellie Myrtle Durand Hodges. He spent his first four years in Ashton and due to an accident, he spent his next four years in and out of the Primary Children’s Hospital. He was raised by his grandparents, William Valentine Hodges and Caroline Glover Hodges.

At the age of 17, he married Viola Valene Beebe on June 23, 1944, in Salmon, Idaho, and they were later sealed in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on July 3, 1945. They were married more than 62 years when Viola passed away on Dec. 15, 2006.

Shortly after they were married, Ted served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He spent his first year in the Philippines and was transferred to Tokyo, Japan, for the next three years serving as a military policeman. Ted was also a featherweight boxer for the military and represented the Army earning many awards and trophies.

Ted and Viola had six children, Teddy Merland Jr. (Frances Quigley), Rosiland Ann (Roger Darrel Larsen), Steven Val (Chris Blakely and Jolene), Susan Valene (Monty Zaragoza and Patrick Wadsworth), Phillip Lewis (Kathleen Brown), and JoAnn Melissa (Ether James Parke). They also raised seven grandchildren. He has 37 grandchildren; 92 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; his wife, Viola; two sons, Teddy and Steven; a one son-in-law, Roger.

After the death of his wife, Viola, he married Floy Robinson on March 25, 2008, in Malta, Idaho.

Ted worked for several farming companies, Cassia County Transportation District, and also spent 30 years for the State of Idaho Transportation Department retiring after 30 years. After retirement, he worked as the custodian for Malta Elementary. Ted was known in the community for his services to anyone that needed help. He was known as the good Samaritan of Malta and was recognized in the South Idaho Press. Ted did a lot of building, woodwork, plumbing, and yard work for anyone in need.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Malta LDS Church with Bishop Brad Hutchison officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will be in the Valley Vu Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.