At 2:16 a.m. on April 6th, 2024, all heaven gathered to welcome home Sandra Butler Hodge. A Christ-follower since the age of 7, she was greeted by her Lord and Savior and reunited with her son, Ryan Butler Hodge; her granddaughter, Lillian Claire Nichols (Lilly); mother, Lillian Butler and father, LaVerne Butler.
“Sandy” had a life-giving presence that generously and tirelessly served and cared for others until the very last week of her 74 years of living. Without question, her greatest joy was her family. In her own words, “my best work has been my four children and my nine amazing grandchildren.” As a mother, she was always on call and always available. Sandy was known for dreaming big and implementing grand plans and the grand plans of her children. No matter how daunting the task, she simply replied, “don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.” Each of her grandchildren have fun memories of “summering” in Princeton with “Maaize,” as she was affectionately called. Stopping by her house in Princeton meant being loved as only she could. Countless number of trips up and down Western Kentucky Parkway at all times of day and night were all about being with and for her family. She never wanted to miss out on anything.
A graduate of Georgetown College and member of the Kappa Delta sorority, Sandy set out on a career in education, teaching at Auburndale Elementary School in Louisville, Kentucky in 1972. Two years later she began what would become 50 years of faithful ministry in Kentucky Baptist churches, as well as, briefly in South Carolina. Sandy spent her life pouring out her love first for High School students and ultimately becoming a Children’s Ministry Director. No one was a more creative and passionate visionary than she. Sandy served and spearheaded over forty vacation bible schools and was thrilled to be leading Southside’s VBS in June. Her ability to develop a gifted team and innovative leadership became a model for other churches. The goal and motivation behind it all were a strong desire to see children come to Christ and become spiritual champions. The ripple effect of her ministry has impacted multiple generations.
Sandy had a strong and formidable inner will that shaped her life in every season. Though a person of conviction, her sensitive and compassionate heart always had the last word. She did life with her faithful circle of friends. From serving together, to weekly lunches and bible study, she was surrounded by friends who loved and cared for her dearly. She was the quintessential social butterfly, always genuinely interested in the lives of others.
Those who knew Sandy best and were closest, saw her courage and resilience in the face of loss and suffering. Though shaken by crushing and painful realities, she kept standing and finding new ways to serve others, quietly and through daily trusting and committing her ways and days to the Lord. Her family and friends never ceased to be amazed at her indomitable faith, especially her two brothers. She was always a hero in their eyes.
So much of Sandy’s life is captured in stories that will be forever tucked between the pages of our minds. She won’t be forgotten. Her legacy is too strong. A rare, remarkable, and classy lady whose ability to make a room light up with her colorful (mostly coral) designs and floral arrangements reflected her undeniable beauty, inside and out.
Sandy will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Jennifer (Tanner) Nichols of Louisville, KY and Emily (Chris) Harris, of Fort Mitchell, KY; her son, Rob (Abby) Hodge of Versailles, KY; her two brothers, David (Gayle) Butler of Huntsville, AL and Rick (Jeanne) Butler of West Lafayette, IN; and her grandchildren, Annie Nichols (Wyatt) Smock, Meg Nichols; Jack, Kate, and Lila Harris; Graham, Grey, and Hunter Hodge. She will be remembered by her nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Sandy; her former husband, Dr. Wayne Hodge; and countless friends and co-workers whose lives were blessed many times over by the life-giving presence of a Sandy.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church in Princeton, KY with Rev. David Butler and Rev. Rick Butler officiating. There will be a reception immediately following the service for sharing memories and joining in food and fellowship.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Old Floydsburg Cemetery at Duncan Memorial Chapel in Oldham County, where Sandy will be buried alongside her son, Ryan.
Expressions of Sympathy can be made in Sandy’s memory to Launch Campus Ministry, ATTN: Rick Butler, 507 Waldron Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or online at www.launchcampusministry.com <http://www.launchcampusministry.com>. Launch Campus Ministry is the Christian Student organization where her brother, Rick Butler, has served for fifteen years.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.morgansfuneralhome.com
