Linda Ruth Melton, age 67, and a resident  of Forest passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel . Burial will follow in Newton Masonic Cemetery. Rev. Ronny Wright will officiate.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Homer Hodge and her mother, Eula Ruth Wilkerson Hodge.
Linda was a loving, kind and generous mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. People instantly fell in love with her beautiful and giving soul. She was devoted to her Lord, her church and her church family. Linda will be forever missed on earth but she is shouting the victory with her Savior.

Survivors include her son, Joey Melton (Darlene) of Forest;  daughter, Julie Melton Morton of Lithia, FL;  brothers, Wayne Hodge (Wanda), James Hodge (Linda), John Hodge (Joyce), Tommy Hodge, and Earl Hodge (Tammy) sisters, Betty Runnels and Peggy Sue Hodge;  grandsons, Matthew Melton and Nathaniel Melton (Jessie);  granddaughters, Rebecca Melton and Bailey Morton;  and great grandchild, Averie Melton.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Hodge, John Hodge, John Eddie Hodge, Earl Hodge, Michael Runnels, Brian Runnels, and Brandon Hodge.

Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Melton and Nathaniel Melton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, and on Saturday two hours prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

Newton County Funeral Home - South is in charge of arrangements.