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Joyce A. Hodge, Longtime Galesburg Resident, Dies at 85
Hodge spent decades caring for family and community before retiring and volunteering at local hospital
Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:41am
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The quiet, comforting life of a longtime Galesburg resident who dedicated herself to family and community is reflected in this soft, atmospheric photograph.Galesburg TodayJoyce A. Hodge, a lifelong resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 85. Hodge was a devoted mother and grandmother who worked as an in-home childcare provider for 34 years before retiring and volunteering at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Bradley Hodge.
Why it matters
Hodge's story reflects the quiet dedication and community service of many longtime Galesburg residents who have contributed to the fabric of the city over the decades. Her life highlights the importance of family, caregiving, and volunteerism in a small Midwestern town.
The details
Joyce A. Hodge was born on August 18, 1940, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Frank L. and Katherine (Meadows) Mills Sr. She married Bradley Hodge on January 22, 1961, in Galesburg, and they were married for 49 years until his passing in 2010. Hodge is survived by her son, Scott (and Penny Albright) Hodge of Des Moines, Iowa; her daughter, Kathy (and Mike) Steele of Galesburg; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1958, Hodge worked for Knox-Warren Special Education until starting a family, after which she became a dedicated in-home childcare provider for 34 years before retiring. In retirement, she volunteered at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
- Joyce A. Hodge was born on August 18, 1940.
- Hodge married Bradley Hodge on January 22, 1961.
- Bradley Hodge passed away on March 20, 2010 after 49 years of marriage.
- Hodge passed away on March 26, 2026 at the age of 85.
- Visitation and funeral services will be held on April 3, 2026.
The players
Joyce A. Hodge
A lifelong resident of Galesburg, Illinois who dedicated her life to caring for her family and community. She worked as an in-home childcare provider for 34 years before retiring and volunteering at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
Bradley Hodge
Joyce A. Hodge's husband of 49 years, who passed away in 2010.
Scott Hodge
Joyce A. Hodge's son, who lives in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kathy Steele
Joyce A. Hodge's daughter, who lives in Galesburg.
What they’re saying
“As Joyce requested, cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the chapel, with Pastor Jordan Knight officiating. Cremation burial will take place at Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg.”
— Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services
The takeaway
Joyce A. Hodge's life exemplifies the quiet dedication and community service of many longtime Galesburg residents who have contributed to the fabric of the city over the decades. Her story highlights the importance of family, caregiving, and volunteerism in a small Midwestern town.
