Deloris Mae Hendricks

Deloris Mae (Lewis) Hendricks was born July 17, 1930, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin to George and Adeline (Parent) Lewis. She passed away July 17, 2024, at home surrounded by family. She was 94 years old.

Deloris was born in the family home and her older sister Bernice remembered watching their Pa get the scales from the shed to weigh her. All the vital statistics were written on a penny postcard and sent to the courthouse. She was the youngest of her siblings, ten years younger than her closest sibling. She was everyone's "baby" and spent lot of time with her parents, playing cards and putting puzzles together.

They lived a few miles from Lake Michigan, enjoying the cool breezes in the summer and enduring the freezing temperatures in winter.

Deloris, Bernice, and friends walked everywhere, often walking miles in a single day. In 94 years, she never learned to drive a car but was a fantastic "back seat driver". She loved going to movies with her friends and went as often as she was allowed.

Deloris would walk past Paul Hendricks many times while he was "visiting" his friend that worked at a gas station. He thought she was beautiful.

Paul and Deloris would elope and be married by a Justice of the Peace in Dubuque, Iowa on September 15, 1949. Deloris was of legal age; Paul was not but two of his friends vouched for him. When the "I do's" were done, the Justice told Paul to kiss her, or he would. Their wedding night was spent in Chicago, Illinois and they returned home for a celebration with their family.

Deloris worked at Bucyrus-Erie as a draftsman until she became a mother and homemaker.

Lonna Jean was born June 5, 1951, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin followed by Paul Keith on March 18, 1953. The family moved to Brainerd, Minnesota where Carey Jo was born on January 16, 1954, followed closely by Randy Scott on December 19, 1954. They then moved to Siren, Wisconsin and Bonnie Lee was born on February 12, 1956. They returned to Brainerd, Minnesota and Craig Allen was born March 5, 1958. Kevin Ray was born on November 2, 1959. Jobs became scares in Brainerd so Paul moved the family to Leadville, Colorado to work at the Climax Mine where a good living could be made with a large family. Terry Lynn was born in Leadville on September 25, 1965. They made y_et another move to Gillette, Wyoming where Jodi James was born November 19, 1968. The family settled in Springfield, Colorado and their last child, Darin John, was welcomed January 19, 1972. One final move to Waterwood, Texas and back to Springfield to spend their remaining years.

21 years age difference between the youngest and oldest children. Through it all, Deloris was a caring and loving mother that never spanked or yelled. She would give her children "the look" and say in a quiet voice "that is enough" or, when pushed to her limit would say "wait until your father gets home."

Deloris was a caretaker, making lunches for the kids that included homemade bread and homemade desserts. Many loaves of bread were made daily to feed such a large family. Sometimes, she would even have to wash all the laundry in a bathtub, never complaining as she did all she could for her family.

Deloris worked at Southeast Colorado Hospital District in the laundry department for a little over a year, worked alongside Paul in his endeavors and took care of the home, kids, and animals. Deloris had many artistic talents. She painted, knitted more sweaters than anyone we know and in her later years enjoyed coloring detailed coloring books, often looking for just the right color to finish a picture.

Paul and Deloris were both blessed to be able to remain in their home in their later years with the help of family.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Paul Hendricks, her children Bonnie Straughn, Terry Hendricks, and Lonna Lemere. Daughter in law Sherry Hendricks and son in law Butch Wade. Her parents, George, and Adeline Lewis. Sisters Florence Lewis, an infant sister, and Bernice (Hank) Tomcyzk. Brothers William (Dell) Lewis and Lawrence (Doris) Lewis. Mother and Father-in-law Paul Kand Zella Hendricks, Brothers, and sisters-in-law George Hendricks, Elwyn (Joyce) Hendricks, Dean Hendricks, Dwayne (Lorna) Hendricks and Murine (Clyde) Erickson.

These losses weighed heavily on her heart.

She is survived by her children, Paul (Evelyn) Hendricks, Carey Wade, Randy (Pamela) Hendricks, Craig (Marilyn) Hendricks, Kevin (Paula) Hendricks, Shawn Hendricks, Jodi (Gala) Hendricks, and Darin (Christa) Hendricks. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Sister in laws Edith Hendricks, Delores Hendricks, and Sharon (John) Pultz.

Deloris was a quiet woman that loved her family and gave everything she had to them. She will be missed by all of us so very much for her calming strength, grace, and kindness.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Paul and Deloris Hendricks Memorial Fund at Peoples Credit Union. Contributions will go to the Baca County Library for children's programs.