Bertha Leon Hodges

Long-time Whittier resident, Bertha Leon Hodges, passed away on May 10, 2020, shortly after a stroke. She was 97 years old.

Born in Fillmore in Ventura County, California in 1923, she moved to Los Angeles in her youth, attended cosmetology school and owned her own beauty salon.

In 1945, She married the love of her life, US Marine Tom Hodges. In 1952, they moved to Whittier, CA where they lived out their lives. There they raised four children: Bertha Myer, Steve Hodges, James Hodges and Michael Hodges. She is survived by 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

They loved to attend sporting events and were big Ram, Angel and Dodger fans. When Tom retired, they began to travel and attended many of the second Marine Corp reunions. When Tom passed in 2007, her family rallied around her. She was loved by all who knew her and they, in turn, were embraced by her love for them.

She was mentally sharp to the end, living in the Whittier home where she and Tom raised their children.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family will update this site when a date is decided.