INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Janie Woods Hodge, the television pioneer who hosted the beloved “Popeye and Janie” and “The Janie Show” on Indianapolis television station WTTV for more than two decades, died Sunday, said an obituary from Leppert Mortuaries-Nora. She was 93. Hodge became a household name for central Indiana children from 1963 to 1986. On her live show, which aired cartoons, she shared a passion for music and education, leaving a lasting impression on generations of viewers. Between cartoons, she played the ukulele, sang, and danced, sometimes with the show’s crew and another WTTV children’s show personality, Bob Glaze, better known as “Cowboy Bob.” He died in September 2016 at age 73. Also between cartoons, Hodge interacted with children, including members of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, in the ‘Peanut Gallery.” Children often waited months to join the live audience. “Janie shaped many young lives, and for the better,” said Ken Owen, president of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers. In a Facebook post, Owen called her a “true legend” and noted her induction into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2015. Beyond her television career, Hodge taught music for 37 years to students in Indianapolis and North Bergen, New Jersey. Her work earned her several honors, including Teacher of the Year and the Above Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Hodge’s commitment to service continued through her volunteer work with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Wheeler Mission, and the Indianapolis Public Library. She was also a life master at bridge. Her biography on the Indiana Broadcasters Association website says, “Janie could also be seen downtown Indy and at nursing homes with her school choir performing along with her folk dance group performing every spring at the Convention Center. She wrapped up her on-air and teaching career in 1998 leaving behind students and parents who followed her work and guidance.” She is survived by her sons, David and Matt Hodge, and several cousins. Friends and family may attend a visitation at 11 a.m. Aug. 19 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St. A second visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the same day at the church. An additional visitation will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 20 at the church, followed by a service at 1 p.m. Burial will be private. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Wheeler Mission, or Indy Reads. Messages for the family may be left via voicemail or text at 317-257-8480. From Indiana University Media Collections Online: Janie Woods Hodge’s Hall of Fame Video Bio Janie Hodge, host of “The Janie Show” and “Popeye and Janie” on WTTV in Indianapolis and known as “Miss Romper Room” on the Milwaukee CBS affiliate, is shown with puppets in an undated photo. (Provided Photo/Indiana Broadcasters Association) ...read more read less