Ernest Hodson

Ernest was born in Loma, CO, to Ernest W. & Ruth L. Hoffman Hodson on November 24, 1931. He passed away peacefully July 17, 2019 at the VA Medical Center with his family at his side after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Ernest, or Duane as many knew him, spent his childhood in Loma on the family farm. He attended Loma Elementary and Graduated from Fruita Union High School in 1950. In December of that year he enlisted in the US Air Force. After Basic Training, he returned home in 1951 and married Ruby Newitt. Ernest was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico where Ruby joined him later. In 1952, he was transferred to Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, it was there that their first child Debbie was born in 1954. He was discharged in 1954 and the family returned to Loma. They purchased a farm in Loma and in 1955 welcomed their second child, Tom. Ernest also worked at the American Gilsonite Refinery. Patti joined the family in 1960. In 1966, Ernest hired on with the Denver and Rio Grande Rail Road as a brakeman and later was promoted to conductor. He retired in 1989. After retiring, he enjoyed woodworking, making many beautiful pieces for friends and family. Other hobbies included restoring old tractors with his grandchildren. He received numerous awards for his tractors. Ernest was a dedicated family man. He loved being surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was an avid Broncos and CU Buffs fan, loved reading, listening to music and never missed an opportunity to enjoy chocolate. He loved his country and the State of Colorado, there wasn't a historical fact about his state that he couldn't recall at a moments notice. Ernest was a member of the Living Hope Church on Orchard Mesa.

Ernest is preceded in death by his son Ernest Thomas, his parents, sister Marge Marinelli, brother-in-law Albert Marinelli, brothers Jack and Bert Hodson, brothers-in-law Joe and Corky Newitt, sister-in-law Bettie Muhlestein, nephews Michael Saunders and Tim Hodson.

He is survived by his wife Ruby Newitt Hodson, daughters Debbie (Melvin) Buniger, and Patti (Nick) Cholas, 5 grandchildren Sarah Gascon, Matt (Ashley) Bunger, Luke (Rochelle) Buniger, Ashley Cholas, and Zach (Iesha) Cholas (or as Grampa called them Sessa, Madjew, Toady, Dee, and Bobo,) 9 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, Sister Virginia (Bob) Saunders and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Living Hope Church on August 10th from 1-4 pm.

Memorial contributions may be sent in his name to Living Hope Church, 2840 B 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503.