INDIANA — Janie Woods Hodge, the broadcasting pioneer who captivated central Indiana children for over two decades as the warm and engaging host of Popeye and Janie and The Janie Show, died Sunday at the age of 93, according to an obituary released by Leppert Mortuaries-Nora.
From 1963 to 1986, Hodge was a fixture of Indianapolis television on station WTTV (Channel 4). Airing alongside classic cartoons, her live programs brought music, dance, and interactive fun into living rooms across the region, making her a household name for multiple generations of young viewers.
A Golden Era of Local Children’s Television
Known for her hands-on, educational approach, Hodge frequently strummed her ukulele, sang, and danced between animated shorts. She often shared the screen with crew members and fellow WTTV local legends, including Bob Glaze—famously known as “Cowboy Bob”—who passed away in September 2016 at age 73.
A highlight of the broadcast was the live studio audience, known as the “Peanut Gallery.” Children, local youth groups, and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops routinely waited months for the opportunity to join Hodge on set during live tapings.
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“Janie shaped many young lives, and for the better,” said Ken Owen, president of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers. In a tribute posted to social media, Owen remembered Hodge as a “true legend” of local television.
A Life Dedicated to Music and Community Education
Hodge’s broadcasting career extended beyond Indiana. Early in her career, she served as “Miss Romper Room” for the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Parallel to her television work, Hodge was a devoted educator who taught music for 37 years to students in Indianapolis and North Bergen, New Jersey. She frequently led her school choirs in public performances across downtown Indianapolis, inside area nursing homes, and during annual folk dance showcases at the Indiana Convention Center. Her dedication to education earned her numerous recognitions, including Teacher of the Year and the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
Hodge retired from both her teaching career and on-air broadcasting work in 1998.
Outside the classroom and studio, Hodge was an accomplished bridge player who achieved Life Master status. She also spent decades volunteering with community organizations, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Wheeler Mission, and the Indianapolis Public Library.
In recognition of her decades of service and impact on local media, Hodge was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2015.
Memorial and Service Details
Hodge is survived by her two sons, David and Matt Hodge, as well as several extended family members and cousins.
Services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, located at 7700 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis:
- Wednesday, Aug. 19: Public visitations will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 20: An additional visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.
Burial services will remain private.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Wheeler Mission, or Indy Reads. Condolences and messages may be left for the family via phone or text at 317-257-8480.
