Diane Catherine Hodge

Diane Catherine Hodge, (Rucki), age 49, of Vancleave, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018, after a brief illness. Diane was born in Rome, NY on January 26, 1969 to Albin and Sheila Rucki. She graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1987. On April 17, 1993 she was united in marriage to Timothy R. Hodge who was the love of her life. Diane loved taking care of her home and her beautiful garden of flowers. Diane had a cheerful approach to life despite fighting a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Diane was vibrant and full of life, and she loved laughing. She treasured her time with her loving and devoted husband Tim, and was very proud of her children, Zoe and Kenny. Everyone she encountered she blessed with her beautiful smile and her willingness to listen. Diane always saw the good in others. She faced and approached each obstacle with a will do, can do attitude. Her independence was admired by all she encountered. When she met the love of her life Tim, it was love at first sight. She knew immediately that they belonged together. They moved to South Mississippi in 1994 and found their forever home in Vancleave, Mississippi. Diane loved bubbles and butterflies, flowers, especially sunflowers, gardening and photography. She enjoyed fishing with Tim and often found cypress trees that had human features. Diane breathed life into her photographs. Diane was a compassionate soul and could sense when a friend was in need. She would mysteriously show up or call just to say hello and lend a bright, cheerful smile or offer words of encouragement. Diane lit up every room she entered with her beautiful, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger and quickly forged friendships with whomever she encountered. Diane had a beautiful outlook and zest for life. Diane is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Tim Hodge; a son, Kenneth McCullough of Rochester, NY and a daughter and son-in law, Zoe and João Silva of El Paso, TX; her loving mom and three sisters and brother-in-law’s: Karen and Steve Farr, Robin and Tim Hellinger, and Michelle and Matt Whelan. She also had 2 grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her father. A Memorial service will be held at 7pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Vancleave on Wednesday August 22, 2018 with visitation from 6 to 8pm for friends and relatives, with Bro. David Aultman officiating. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com