Esther R. Hendricks, of Tyler, passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in her home. She was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on Sept. 3, 1915, the daughter of the Rev. Rasmus O. Stoeve and Serena Solberg Stoeve. Esther graduated from Lutheran Bible High School in Grand Forks, N.D, where she served as president of her class. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and then entered and completed training at Trinity Hospital School of Nursing in Minot, N.D. After a year of nursing in Minnesota, she and Hilma Noble, her best friend, decided to move out West, where nurses were needed and better paid. In Twin Falls, Idaho, she met and married Manley W. Hendricks on July 3, 1940. They had four children. Her first child, Gloria Jean, was born in Twin Falls. During World War II their second child, William Leslie, was born in Grand Forks, N.D. Their third child, Thomas Manley, was born in Twin Falls; and their last child, Peggy Marie, was born in Kansas City, Mo. The family moved from Kansas City to Tyler in 1962. During their time together, they traveled to all 50 United States and to Europe several times.
Esther was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Tyler. She also enjoyed her "Canasta Club." Her accomplishments included oil painting, crocheting and solving word puzzles. Esther loved to shop, delighting in finding beautiful things. She was an avid reader, liked listening to music, and rarely missed a Cowboy's game on TV. Esther will best be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith and for her natural graciousness.
Survivors include one daughter, Gloria Jean Peterson, of Moscow, Idaho; one son, Thomas Manley Hendricks, of Dallas; grandchildren, Erik Peterson, Nels Peterson, Jackie Murdock, William L. Hendricks and wife Mary, David Hendricks and wife Sammeang, Colin Whisler and Claire Whisler; one great-grandson, William "Billy" L. Hendricks III; beloved daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Jane Hendricks; son-in-law, John Whisler; sister-in-law, Peggy Theobald; and by numerous, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was also preceded in death by husband, Manley W. Hendricks; son, William L. Hendricks; daughter, Peggy Marie Whisler; brothers, Olof Stoeve, Agnes Stoeve, Sigmund Stoeve, infant Robert Stoeve, and Robert Stoeve.
Services for Esther R. Hendricks will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Tyler with Dr. Mark Braaton officiating. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4900 Kinsey Dr., Tyler.
.Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on October 6, 2013