Diane Hodde

Diane Hodde passed away in her home on February 28, 2013, following a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. She lived a long life defined by devotion to her family and friends, her pets, and Washington County. Diane was born in Amarillo to Marvin and Doris Vineyard Hodde on June 24, 1941. While raised in the Panhandle, she spent summers in Brenham visiting her paternal grandparents. During these trips she acquired an enduring love of both horses and Washington County. Diane attended Blinn College, Del Mar College, and the University of Texas. While majoring in Sociology, she earned her bachelor''s degree from Sam Houston State University in 1964. Diane put her intelligence and desire to help others to work when she joined the Red Cross. Her early career allowed her to help people around the world, and she served overseas in both Korea and Vietnam. Diane was one of the first Red Cross responders to render aid after Hurricane Camille struck the Gulf Coast in 1969. Diane found her professional calling as a real estate agent. She assisted families buying and selling real estate in Brenham, Houston and other areas for 40 years. A farm and ranch property market leader, she served as both Director and Secretary of the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Realtors, Realtors Land Institute. She was also a member of the International Real Estate Federation and served as Membership Chair of the federation''s Houston-based Texas chapter. She also contributed to the real estate community by way of the encouragement and counsel she provided to fellow agents and brokers through the years. An avid horsewoman, Diane enjoyed riding until a few years ago. Later in life, she built a new home on the highest elevation of the family property west of Brenham and enjoyed watching sunsets on her porch and relaxing with her pets. Diane is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Erin Panzer, her parents, Marvin and Doris Vineyard Hodde, brother David Hodde, and grandparents Dr. Fred Hodde and wife Anna Louise and Dr. Roy Vineyard and wife Vesta Cooper. Visitation will take place on Thursday March 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A celebration of Diane''s life will be held at 11:00 am the following morning at Memorial Oaks Chapel at 1306 West Main St., Brenham, Texas. Internment will be at Prairie Lea Cemetery immediately after the service. Dylan Cole, Patrick Col, Travis Cole, Renee Escobar, Michael Kalil and Dr. Michael Mabry will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be sent to the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of America, Brenham Animal Shelter or any charity of your choosing. Funeral arrangements for Diane Hodde are enrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.