Delphine Hood

In her early years, Del played an active role on her family's farm, engaging in tasks like tending to crops, milking cows, and processing milk products. Her adventurous spirit led her to climb trees with the boys and ride horses, forging a love for the outdoors that would endure throughout her life. She also worked at the South Dakota Visitor Center, sharing the beauty of her home state with visitors from around the world.

Del's academic journey took her to Harvard University and later Northeastern University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and second in her class with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming. For over 35 years, she excelled as a Senior Software Computer Engineer, working with various companies across the United States. In addition to her computer software career, Del owned and operated a restaurant in Massachusetts.

Her job in computer software led her all around the country and inspired her to become an RV enthusiast. Del enjoyed DIY home improvement projects, particularly RV remodels. She embraced her many musical talents by learning to play the accordion and piano from her mother as well as reluctantly learning to play violin from her father. Her love for gospel music led her to participate in numerous community and church choirs as a vocalist.

Del was a devoted lover of nature and gardening, with a special fondness for flowers like Clematis, Azaleas, and Delphiniums. Her compassion extended to animals, especially cats and dogs, and she domesticated feral cats with a gentle touch. Del's warmth, outgoing nature, and infectious laughter made her a joy to be around.

She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Ronold Hood, and leaves behind a legacy of family and love. Delphine is remembered by her children Evelyn (Jim) Burke, Grant (Irene) Steffy, Deanne Davis, Benjamin “Ben” Steffy, Robert “Bobby” (Maria C. “Connie”) Steffy, Kathleen “Kathy” Wood, Wilbert “Wil” (Kimberly) Steffy;  stepdaughter Charlotte (Joseph) Gasior, two daughters-in-law Melinda (Sam) Turpin and Sandy (Art) Kinnealey; her siblings Joan Skeesick, Iona Gorham, Gilbert Stoller, and Linda Church  nineteen grandchildren Dana, Sara, Brandan, Wesley, Megan, Grant, TJ, Erik, Elizabeth, Caity, Brooks, Jade, Kerrie, Andrew, Angela, Wilbert, Heather, Kala, and Robert “Bob” and thirty-seven great-grandchildren with more on the way! She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Delbert Stoller, and two previous husbands, Wilbert Steffy, and Max Arsenault.

Services to celebrate Delphine's life will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Abingdon location of Sovereign Grace Church at 1:00 pm, under the caring guidance of Pastor Jimmy Cannon and the McComas Family Funeral Home. Donations may be sent to:

The Humane Society of the United States
1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20037

Or

Alzheimer’s Association

Condolences can be shared on the guestbook at mccomasfuneralhome.com. Delphine Hood was unusually thankful and will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends. May she rest in peace.