Theresa Lee Hoder

Theresa Lee (Smith) Hoder was born on March 13, 1949 in Spokane, Washington, where she was raised by her loving parents, Francis and Betty Smith, with her older brother, Cleve, and her younger sister, Leslie. Theresa graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in teaching.

She met her husband, Michael W. Hoder, in Spokane while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. After marrying on June 21, 1971, Theresa and Michael moved to Everett where she taught middle school P.E. for five years. When Michael’s job transferred, they moved to Olympia where they bought the home that Theresa lived in for the rest of her life.

Their two daughters, Heather and Monica, were born and raised in the loving home Michael and Theresa created. Theresa raised her girls, helping them with 4-H, showing their animals at the Thurston County Fair, and participating in the Pet Parade.

With a life-long passion for books and learning Theresa taught in Washington state public schools at all levels, and went back to school herself to obtain a master’s degree in library science.

Always active in her communities, Theresa led water exercises at Brigg’s YMCA and sang with the Sweet Adelines in her retirement. Her days were mostly filled spending time with her beautiful granddaughter, Charlotte, teaching her an active lifestyle with swimming, cooking, crafting, pickleball, and badminton…and looking for cats to pet. Charlotte was the light of her life!

Theresa will always be remembered for her kindness, helpfulness, and friendship. She was a true servant of Jesus, unwavering in her faith in God and her commitment in spreading the gospel to friends and strangers alike. Her legacy, above all else, was her eternal commitment to Jesus. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and gave Him the glory for the wonderful life He bestowed on her. No doubt she is walking beside Him right now.

In lieu of flowers we would like donations to be sent to Theresa's congregations at the Olympia Church of Christ and Congregation Lion of Judah.

https://www.olycofc.com/about-3

https://give.cornerstone.cc/cloj