Norma Jane Hodges

Norma Jane (Wehking) Hodges, 82 of Emporia, Kansas passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at her home.

Norma was born November 19, 1943, in Horton, Kansas the daughter of Walter and Mabel (Poos) Wehking.

She was baptized April 9, 1944, and confirmed in October 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lancaster, Kansas.

Norma attended Lancaster Elementary School and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1961. She attended Emporia State University to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degree in K-12 Physical Education. Norma taught in Elmdale and Strong City, Kansas for 5 years. She then taught Freshman Girls’ Physical Education and coached volleyball at Emporia High School from August 1976-May 2005. After retiring from EHS, she taught at Emporia State University in the HPER Department from August 2005-December 2019.

On August 7, 1965, Norma married Dale Eugene Hodges in Lancaster, Kansas. Dale and Norma celebrated 61 years of marriage just a few days ago.

Norma is survived by her husband, Dale of Emporia. Daughters Faith Claymore and husband Jake of McLaughlin, South Dakota, Aimee Morris of Emporia, Hope Tjaden and husband Aaron of Clearwater, Kansas. Grandchildren Carly Claymore (Lalo), Krissy Claymore, Corbin Claymore, Kolty Claymore (Brayden), Dagan Morris (Jenna), Hayden Morris (Jane), Victoria Tjaden, Trace Tjaden (Riley), Elizabeth Tjaden. Great-Grandchildren Roman Moreno, Kaser PayPay, Daxton Morris, Dawson Morris, Matthew Morris. Sister Betty Jean DeWerff. Brother-in-law Donald Stucker.

Preceded in death by her parents Walter and Mabel Wehking, sister Leila June Stucker, granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Tjaden, son-in-law Michael Morris, brother-in-law Lloyd DeWerff.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 18 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1101 Neosho Emporia, Kansas 66801. The family will receive friends from 9:00-9:45 with a reception following the service in Messiah Fellowship Hall.

Messiah Lutheran Church has always been an integral part of Norma’s life. Norma has requested that memorial contributions be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.