Karen Kleint Hodge

Leesville-Karen Kleint Hodge, 72,  went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday April 14, 2018. Born June 6, 1945 in Donnelly, Idaho to the late Paul Richard Kleint and Margaret Ethel Kleint. She dearly loved her hometown and always rejoiced when she could return to her beloved Long Valley to visit often taking her grandchildren so they could experience a piece of her life growing up on the family ranch.

  With the values instilled in her by her parents, Karen opened her heart to anyone that came into her life and loved to serve those in need in her community. Not only did she teach Sunday school and serve on church council, she was also a 4-H chapter leader, meals on wheels volunteer and member of the Gilbert Ruritans. She had a great love for her country and joined the Army National Guard in 1974 where she served for 31 years. She rose through the ranks and became the first female Sergeant Major in South Carolina. Karen continued to break the glass ceiling by being the first female elected to the West Columbia City Council where she would go out in her community assisting many of her constituents to register to vote. Many knew and loved her as KK, especially her beloved grandchildren and all who attended her annual pumpkin carving celebration.

  Karen is survived by her adoring husband Rick, son Robert Black, daughters Nicole (Stuart) Smith, Kendal (Hiram) Ringer, grandchildren Zachary and Cole Oswald, Madison and Connor Ringer, brother Paul (Gretel) Kleint and many nieces and nephews.

  Visitation for Mrs. Hodge will be Wednesday, April 18 6-8 PM at Barr-Price Funeral Home Batesburg-Leesville Chapel. Celebration of life service will be held at 11 o’clock on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at St. James Lutheran Church, Leesville, SC with interment immediately following. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 308 Church Street, Leesville, SC 29070 or to Wycliffe Associates @ wycliffeassociates.org

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