Barbara Hendricks

Ever faithful and loving, Barbara Hendricks lived her life as an example of a faith filled woman. With a servant's heart, she dedicated her life to raising her family, unending devotion to her husband, and serving her church. Her grandchildren were the delight to her day, and in all ways she shared her loving kindness with others. Gone but never to be forgotten, the heart of Barbara Hendricks lives on in the lives of those she loved and touched.

The 1920s began a new phase of living within the culture of America. The nation was experiencing tremendous growth with technological advances while many were enjoying the security of stable paychecks. Specifically, the unemployment rate in the 1926 was a mere 1.8% at a time when Henry Ford introduced the 40 hour work week. Although gangsters and prohibition went hand-in-hand, families found much to be thankful for. This was especially true for John and Nellie (VanBoven) Alderink who made their home in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. On March 20, 1926, they were blessed with the birth of their little girl, Barbara.

Her father worked in production at American Seating manufacturing seating and furniture while her mother was a homemaker who looked after the needs of the family. Young Barbara was the firstborn in the Alderink family and later welcomed her little brother, Gordon and younger sister, Joyce. From the beginning, Barbara and her siblings shared a close bond throughout all of their lives.

Having been raised on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, Barbara led a typical childhood for the times and from her earliest years had a keen interest in reading. Quite young when the onset of the Great Depression cast times of economic struggle, her family was no exception. Life was certainly hard on every family, and vacations were nonexistent. Holidays were spent enjoying the company of family and in all ways, they were thankful for much. Despite the times, they clung to their faith during these times of hardship.

Barbara and her family were members of Bethel Reformed Church. In her younger years, she was very active in church. Youth group was a big part of her life as well as the church choir which didn’t leave much room for extra school activities. She attended East Leonard Grade School and went on to graduate from Creston High School in June of 1944.

For most of her life, Barbara was well acquainted with a young man named Roger Hendricks. They were members of the same church, and from time to time their parents and families got together over the years. While Roger was in the service during World War II serving in Italy and France, he and Barbara began corresponding by mail. For four years they did so, and became quite smitten during this time. After Roger returned home to the states and settled into civilian life once again, the young couple shared vows of marriage on June 10, 1949 at Bethel Reformed Church before a congregation of family and friends.

Barbara and Roger began their new lives together as husband and wife in a rented apartment in Holland while Roger attended Hope College and seminary. During these early years, Barbara worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for four years in an office located in McKay Towers building in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

Barbara worked until she and Roger began a family of their own. Blessed with four sons, Paul, Robert, David, and Timothy brought much to their lives. She made a good home for Roger and their sons, and although she didn't care much for cooking, being the mother of four growing boys left her no choice. Her mother-in-law took Barbara under her wing and taught her how to prepare good food for her family which Barbara so appreciated. She learned to enjoy cooking more and provided her family with good, hearty meals. When dining out, she loved the fried fish at Cracker Barrel, and liked Bill Knapp's and Russ' restaurants, considering them her favorites.

When Roger began serving with the Reserves and the National Guard as a Chaplin, he set-up camp for his family at the Long Lake Campground near where he was stationed each summer. At first he wasn't sure if Barbara would enjoy camping, but she did so for her family. It came to serve as a vacation they each looked forward to where lasting memories were made.

Throughout the years, Barbara and her family frequently moved around Michigan as Roger served several churches during his career as a minister. They spent four years in Falmouth, and for the next 12 years he was the pastor at a new church in Royal Oak. They were in Decatur for 15 years before he served as an interim pastor for some time. Barbara supported Roger and the church in every way possible. She always made herself available and didn't involve herself with activities other than those connected to her church. She freely gave of her time and talents with grace and joy, and served her husband well as a pastor's wife.

Later in life, Roger and Barbara enjoyed many travels. Retirement gave them the opportunity to travel to all of Europe, including the Greek Islands, Austria and many other memorable places. In time they purchased a cottage on Eagle Lake and it became the gathering point for family get-togethers. Many wonderful times were shared there as a family where meaningful and cherished memories were made. With their children grown with families of their own, times spent at the cottage brought everyone together, many from distant areas, to enjoy the treasure of being surrounded by those they loved.

Even though Barbara's main focus in life was her unending faith, and serving her family and church, she continued to be an avid reader. She liked reading works from Amish authors and Christian romance books. She enjoyed the hymns of her youth, but she really loved the sounds of Perry Como and Lawrence Welk, too. Most importantly, Barbara savored time spent with her beloved grandchildren. They were her delight and they brought her the greatest joy. With a selfless, servant's heart, Barbara will be lovingly remembered as a faithful servant of her Lord, a devoted wife and dedicated, and loving mother and grandmother.

At the age of 87, Barbara Hendricks, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2013. Surviving is her husband, the Rev. Roger Hendricks; children, Paul Hendricks, Robert (Doreen) Hendricks, David (Jane) Hendricks, Timothy (Julie) Hendricks; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her brother, Gordon (Marian) Alderink; and sister, Joyce Bader.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara's family on Monday, November 25, 2013 at Hope Reformed Church, 2010 Kalamazoo Avenue SE from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Contributions in her memory to Hope Reformed Church are appreciated. To read more about Barbara’s life, share a memory or to sign her online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.