Lillian Agatha Hendrickson
Born: March 25, 1909
Died: February 1, 2014

Lillian was born Lylian Christine Christensen in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Her parents, Laust Kristian Christensen and Neisine Katherine Marie Nielsen, were Danish immigrant farmers.
The desire for their own land took them north to Limerick, Saskatchewan Canada where they were successful in acquiring a homestead to farm. The harsh northern climate and rocky ground proved difficult and they struggled to survive and "prove up" the homestead, living in a tar paper shack with a hole in the floor for a refrigerator where they kept lard and bread.
Unable to cope with homestead life Neisine left the family, now including a younger brother and sister, and a short time later Laust died of consumption leaving the children in foster care. Lylian was subsequently adopted by a family from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Stephen and Martha (Hendrickson) Schweitzberger. They provided a loving home and changed her name to Lillian Agatha. She took nurses training in Moose Jaw and was married there to Grant Hendrickson on March 12, 1931.
The newlyweds moved to Creston, Illinois where they rented several farms. After Yvonne and Grant Jr. were born Grant's mother became ill so they moved to the family farm on Quitno Road to help care for his parents and operate the farm. They raised hogs, cattle, corn, soybeans and had a dairy business. Three more children were born - Charles, Janice and Diane.
Lillian was a member of Creston grade school mothers club and belonged to the St. Johns Lutheran Church where she joined Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA) and the Ruth's Circle. As a farmer's wife Lillian was famous for her pot roast, pies and homemade donuts and rolls. She had a great love of family, hosting many gatherings and holiday get-togethers and was always interested in meeting new people and learning about their lives.
After the loss of Grant in 1993, Lillian moved from the family farmhouse to an apartment in Rockford, Illinois. She traveled widely, visiting her daughters on the east coast, Texas and California. She enjoyed handiwork and hand made dolls, hats, quilts and crocheted afghans for all of her grandchildren.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Grant, brother Harold Bennie, sister Cora Keller Whitehead and grandson Scott Hendrickson. She is survived by her children Yvonne Wiley, Grant Jr. (Carol), Charles (Judy), Janice (James) Roderick, Diane (Harlan) Richards; 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and her loving caregiver Rose Espende.
Lillian's father taught her to pray and instilled in her an abiding faith in God. She will be welcomed into heaven by Him and those who have preceded her. We are grateful for her longevity and the love she has shown us; we cherish our precious memories of her and will surely miss her presence.

Funeral service will be at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle with Pastor Ronald Larson officiating. Visitation will be from 1 - 2 PM on Wednesday prior to funeral. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. John's Lutheran church in Creston.