Gwendolyn Carole (Ewing) Hodges

Gwendolyn Carole (Ewing) Hodges gained her wings and passed from this life on November 7, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer. Born in San Diego, California on New Year’s Eve 1941 to parents L.B. and Dorothy Ewing, young Gwen always said she “couldn’t wait to get to Texas” where her parents were originally born and raised. In 1947, the family did return to the Lone Star State, first to Weatherford before heading back home to Speegleville, outside of Waco.

Gwen attended Speegleville Elementary and graduated from Waco High in 1960. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, later landing jobs with Texas Power & Light, and with the City of Austin Buildings Division. Along the way, Gwen met her future husband on a blind date. Always a horsewoman who appreciated all things western, she was impressed when Wayne Hodges appeared on her doorstep dressed in cowboy attire. They married in 1963.

Mr. Hodges’ career with Southwestern Bell took the family to Houston three times, Austin twice, Dallas and St. Louis, Missouri. Son David was born in McAllen, and daughter Diann was born two years later in in Houston.

An attractive lady with a strong personality, Gwen was a talented organizer in a variety of ways and never shy about sharing her opinion. She was instrumental in developing the Metropolitan Baptist Church Preschool in Cypress; helped organize the first Republican Women’s Club in Cy-Fair; and when her daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, Gwen dedicated herself to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, serving as president of that organization from 1982-84.

Having ridden horses since the age of 4, Gwen learned how to be a trick rider, and always had a good horse in her life. She helped organize the Speegleville Saddle Club, an organization that remained active for decades, and belonged to the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association. When the Hodges’ retired to Georgetown in 1999, Gwen again gravitated toward politics and became active in the Georgetown Area Republican Women’s Club where she served as president from 2005-06. She also served as precinct chair until her death.

One of Gwen’s longtime friends (they met in McAllen and survived Hurricane Beulah together), described Gwen as a fabulous cook who put every pot and pan in the kitchen to good use. “We both loved clothes, shopping, jewelry, keeping a nice home and gossiping,” said Joan Church.

Gwendolyn Hodges is survived by her husband, Wayne, of Georgetown; daughter Diann Hodges of Taylor; son David Hodges and wife Elizabeth of Missouri City; three grandchildren, Meagan, Connor, and Lauren, brother Patrick Ewing, stepsiblings Dr. Tamara Haygood, Michelle Miner, Greg Miner and numerous cousins and family members. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive in Georgetown, with graveside services on Wednesday, November 13 at 1 p.m. at The Aggie Field of Honor and Memorial Cemetery, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station. A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at the Berry Creek Country Club on Saturday, November 16 from 3-5 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, an organization that provides housing for wounded warriors, catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. For information: T2T.org

Ramsey Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.