of Batesville, AR
November 26, 1945 - August 23, 2022
Mary Emma Lodge, 76, of Batesville, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at White River Medical Center in Batesville, AR.
Mary Emma was born on November 26, 1945, the daughter of Richard and Frances (Wilcox) Dieckmann in Charlotte, North Carolina. She married John H. Lodge on August 9, 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Sarah (David) Shetron and Rachel (Clark) Baker and five grandchildren, John Shetron, Michael Shetron, Meredith Shetron, Arch Baker and Grace Baker all of Batesville, Arkansas.
Mary Emma is preceded in death by her parents.
Mary Emma graduated from Oglethorpe University in 1968, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1976 and Eastern Illinois University in 2000. She taught school in several states in various roles as an educator.
While she earned a reputation as an advocate for children with special needs, Mary Emma was also known as a great supporter of her husband's ministry. She took on many roles within each church he pastored. Mary Emma loved to teach Sunday school classes, organize children's ministry and sing in the choir. Her generous spirit blessed each church they pastored.
In addition to loving her church families, Mary Emma was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She loved to cheer the Steelers and wave her "Terrible Towel." She also loved to read a good book, especially a mystery.
She showered her family in love and support. She was the Mom and Grandma that was always there and had a special relationship with each of her five grandchildren. She attended every piano recital, dance recital, choir performance and ball game that she could. There was never a doubt in the minds of her loved ones that she loved them and always would. She loved each community that she was a part of and found ways to show her dedication and support.
Her love for her family was so vast that she seemed to live by the quote, "Mother is a verb. It's something you do. Not just who you are."
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, August 26, 2022 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville, Arkansas, 510 E College Ave, Batesville, AR 72501. Graveside services will begin at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Kyler Cemetery, with Mike McDowell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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31 Condolence(s)
Sharon Mc Gilton Van Horn
Monday, August 29, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss prayers 🙠for you and your family.
David and Letha Covalt
Sunday, August 28, 2022
May our Lord comfort you all. We were blessed to worship with you both at New Life.
Debbie Sciance Langmyer
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Dear John & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray you feel God’s presence during this time. Remembering the great times at Pleasant Hill as a new Christian & I was like a sponge soaking up all the good news. It was a wonderful place to have my beginnings. Your family will be in my prayers.
In Christ,
Debbie
Lillian Block
Saturday, August 27, 2022
I so enjoyed your fellowship with all at New Life church in Minneola a few years ago. I am blessed to have known Mary Emma even though for a brief time. May God comfort you and your family with His peace.
Carole Eddy
Saturday, August 27, 2022
So sorry to hear about Mary Emma's passing. We had lots of good times at Pleasant Hill and also at the school where we taught together...She was very caring and always there to talk. I'm happy to hear you have your girls and grandchildren. They will give you great comfort! Blessings
George Ansley Dieckmann
Saturday, August 27, 2022
As is a tale, so is a life: Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters. – Seneca
Laura Boyles
Saturday, August 27, 2022
John, thinking of you today and your family as you say "Goodbye" to one you deeply loved. Wonderful tribute to her in the obituary, showing her generous spirit and enthusiasm for life. Am so thankful that we were able to share with each other, especially recently, stories of our lives. Laura
LV and Feen Moody
Saturday, August 27, 2022
She was a lovely lady and a wonderful
Friend. Love knowing I will see her again !
David and Linda James
Saturday, August 27, 2022
We were extremely blessed to know Emma. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all as you deal with this difficult time of loss. She is home with the Lord but we continue to carry on. May the Lord bless and strengthen you.
Becky Campbell
Saturday, August 27, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss and pray for God's peace and comfort during this period of grieving. Mary Emma touched many lives and I was blessed to be one of those.
Ron and Carole Auch
Friday, August 26, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Remembering Mary and Janet singing is one of the best memories we have from Pleasant Hill. Prayers the Holy Spirit brings you comfort and peace.
Dwight McKee
Friday, August 26, 2022
Mary Emma had such a gentle way of visiting with people. I always felt comfortable talking with her, and sharing our thoughts. It was so good that John and Emma moved to Batesville several years ago to spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy all their activities!
You all will stay in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Kitsmiller
Friday, August 26, 2022
We are sure going to miss you Mary Emma. I did not know you that long but you were such a blessing to me. I love how you loved John, your girls, and loved seeing pictures of your grandchildren who you adored. I will see you again one day. Love, Pamela
Beth Freeman
Friday, August 26, 2022
Sorry for your loss. She was a loving, giving person who I feel privileged I knew. We will see her again in Heaven. God give you John and your family peace and comfort.
Jill Hamilton
Friday, August 26, 2022
My heart is broken. Loosing a best friend, mentor, partner in crime hurts so bad. I will never forget how much you and John did for Bruce and I. All the laughter and tears we shared. I know you are resting in the arms of Jesus, you have gained your crown and God has said well done my good and faithful servant. You will always be in my heart. I love you.
Carol Heringer
Friday, August 26, 2022
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Pastor John & Sherry
Friday, August 26, 2022
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints. Psalm 116:15
We were blessed to enjoy for a season the fellowship of John and Mary Emma at New Life Church in Minneola. We look forward to reuniting again, for an eternity.
Glenna Hancock
Friday, August 26, 2022
John & Family💕 my heart and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of Mary Emmaâ¤ï¸ She was a dear friend to me at the time when I needed a dear friend and I will always remember thatâœï¸ I’m so very very sorry for your loss & pray you will feel God’s comfort & peaceðŸ™â¤ï¸ I count myself blessed to have been her friend💕
Wendy & Rick Miller
Friday, August 26, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss, blessings to you, John and family 💕ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Kristie Jenkins
Friday, August 26, 2022
Praying for your family! I’m so very sorry!!
Anne Spuck
Friday, August 26, 2022
Dick and Loretta Colflesh
Friday, August 26, 2022
So sorry to hear about Mary Emma what shock. I think of our time together in Pleasant Hill, good times, and bad . She was always helpful with Becky . Love you both
Janet (Jan) Lentz
Friday, August 26, 2022
I was saddened to hear the news of Mary's passing. I treasured the precious time we spent singing, praying, sharing and of course laughing. She was always there for me and I loved her. God bless you John and your entire family.
Your friend in Christ
Jan
Barbara & Charlie Ward
Friday, August 26, 2022
We ate so sorry to hear this news. Mary Emma was a inspiration to many and did love the children. Prayers to all the family.
Jacinda and Robert Kessler
Friday, August 26, 2022
I’m so saddened by this. In a time that I needed a mom and my mom was no longer with me, Mary Emma took on that role for months helping me. She ended up moving away but I will never forget that kindness she showed me â¤ï¸
Ben & Elaine Hargrove
Friday, August 26, 2022
Tears and love for you both!!
Lynne and David Frazier
Friday, August 26, 2022
We were saddened to hear this news…. Mary Emma added so much to our choir and our church while she and John were serving at First Presbyterian.
Todd, Resa & Stephanie Bolin
Friday, August 26, 2022
She was such a sweet lady. A very devoted Mother that loved her family. Our thoughts and prayers for this family in the coming days.
Jerry Haertlein
Thursday, August 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Kristen L Ogden
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Mary Emma was all of the above, and a dear friend to many. I am fortunate that she touched my life. I know just where to find her, at the knee of Jesus. My condolences to John and her family.
Earl & Rebekah Borah
Thursday, August 25, 2022
We're so sorry you have to go through this season of grieving, but rejoice that she is in paradise. We are thinking about you all and keeping you in our prayers. We love you and wish we could be there with you in person.