Kathleen Elaine Hendricks

Kathleen Elaine Hendricks, born January 23, 1948 in Chico, California was called home by God on April 22, 2026. She was born to Hazel and Vernon Orear as the sixth of twelve children. She married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Hendricks, in 1966 after graduating high school. God blessed them with three precious children : Janette Hansen, Stacie Hendricks, and Jason Hendricks. Kathleen and Joseph’s love poured into their children and that love turned into 8 beautiful grandchildren : Ashley Zuras , Christopher Hendricks, Stephanie Hendricks, Gabriel Hendricks, Bria Moralez, Natalie Hansen, Raylynn Bluitt, and Lailonnie Bluitt. God continued his blessings for Kathleen and brought forth the gift of becoming a great-grandmother to Harley Zuras, Hazel Zuras, Joshua Hendricks, and Michael Hendricks. Kathleen enjoyed being the center of love and grace for her family. She is survived by all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren because god knew she could not live without them. She is also survived by her sisters: Joycie, Shirley and Karen. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her sisters : Elizabeth, Carole, Lynda, Shelly, Melanie, Darla and brothers: Ken and Kevin. Her beloved husband was there to meet her in Heaven when she was called home. She held Joseph’s hand as God took him to Heaven on May 16, 2016 at 12:34pm. She always said she felt so empty because she lost her best friend. She had loved him since she was 17 years old and she could not wait to see her baby doll again. Kathleen was a god-fearing woman who devoted her life to spreading the word of god through everything she did. She enjoyed listening to the gospels of Joel Olsteen, Jimmy Swaggart, and preaching the lord’s word for all to hear. Kathleen spent 30 years in the electronics business before she found her passion and love for taking care of children. She opened a day care where she worked until she retired. After she retired she dedicated the rest of her life to spreading the love of God and being a rock for her family. She would do anything for them.. Her only wish in life was that all of us ask God to forgive us of our sins and meet her in Heaven one day.

Stacie: My mom was my best friend. She was always there for me when I needed her. She is the best mom and nana. I was blessed enough to take care of her the last few years of her life. She loved when we would garden. She would help me plant seeds and I would put them outside. Then when they grew I would take pictures of all of our veggies and show her. I will miss my mommy so much and words can’t ever express how much I love her. Rest easy with dad.

Ashley: My Nana was more than a grandmother to me—she was one of the people who raised me, guided me, and helped shape the person I am today. Alongside my sisters and our cousins, we were lucky to grow up surrounded by her love, strength, and constant presence. She taught us not just through her words, but through the way she lived—showing us what it means to care deeply, to be resilient, and to always put family first.I remember the long road trips to Grass Valley, the visits to Aunt Ruthie’s and Michelle’s to spend time with Granz. Nana taught so many lessons, both intentional and unintentional. There was nothing more important to her than her family—even if that meant protecting one of us grandkids from one of her own sisters. Through all the tough times, she was the one I could always count on to be there—whether that meant stepping in when I was in trouble, or picking me and the dogs up because we were too tired to walk home. You could always count on Nana for a ride, food, or even a little cash. She would spend her last dime on us kids—not because we were spoiled, but because she would never let us go without.I remember when a friend of mine needed help because she was scared at a party. When I told Nana we needed to go get her, she didn’t hesitate. She got up, grabbed her keys, and went—no judgment, just care. That’s who she was. I could talk to Nana about almost anything. She listened without judgment and was always there, even if you just needed someone to vent to.She encouraged me to never give up, reminding me that tomorrow is a new day. She greeted everyone with a smile, love, and respect—even when she herself was going through a hard time. Nana shines through all of us.Without her, I know I would be a completely different person. Her influence is a part of me, and it always will be. I will carry her lessons, her love, and her memory with me for the rest of my life. It pains me knowing that my girls are growing up without her. One of my only regrets is moving away—I didn’t know then how much I was going to need her.We all still need you, Nana. But no matter our beliefs, we can find comfort in imagining her at peace—singing with the angels and reunited with her sisters. Thank you, Nana, for being yourself and for loving us unconditionally.

Christopher: I’m not a religious person but this woman was and she raised me by what she believed in. She taught me love, kindness and faith, not just in word but in action. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it weren’t for all the hugs, time outs and whoopings I got from her and I thank her for that. If there is a heaven, she’s definitely up there, overjoyed. The thought of that alone gives me solace in the grief of losing her. Forever grateful for her being a pillar of my life.

Stephanie: Nana, you were the best grandmother anyone could ask for. You were our protector, our confidante, and the heart of our home. I feel so blessed to have lived with you through most of my life. I don’t know what we would have done without you.Some of my favorite memories are simple yet perfect. We shared countless movie nights, road trips to Grass Valley, and Starbuck Wednesdays back in middle school—so many that they knew us by name. Ashley and I would dive behind you while you lay in bed; you’d throw up your arms and legs like a barrier and let us hide there until Mom went away. You were our unstoppable shield, always keeping us safe. In those small, silly gestures you taught us what it meant to be protected and loved without condition. You touched so many lives. You were one of the strongest women I have ever known, a source of light and joy for everyone around you. Nana, you will be missed every day. Thank you for every hug, every story, and every ordinary moment that became extraordinary because you were there. I love you with all of my heart.

Bria: My nana was the most amazing and loving woman in the world. She did everything she could for her family. She taught me what it meant to take care of your own. I remember going to the store with her and just walking around looking at things and putting anything we wanted in the cart. She might be the reason why I like to shop and have to be supervised in all stores. She lived with us the last few years of her life and words can not describe how grateful I am that I was able to reciprocate the love and care she gave me. She prided herself on being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I wish I had a few more years with her so she could see me get married and bring my own blessings into the world. I love you nana. I miss your infectious laugh, the way you would hold my hand when I came to your bedside, the happiness in your eyes when I told you that I am getting married and expecting a baby. I know she is in Heaven holding our angel babies until we can see them again one day.

Raylynn: Nana was the kind of person you’d want to tell everything to. In the past three years that I have been helping take care of her, she was never afraid to speak her mind. Her personality always shined through. Nana could joke about anything, always making the room laugh. She’d want us to remember her that way. She will forever be in our hearts.

She will be laid to rest beside Joseph on May 16, 2026 at 1pm at the Irvington Memorial Cemetery located at 41001 Chapel Way, Fremont, Ca 94538. A zoom meeting will be set up for those who would like to celebrate Kathleen’s life but can not make it in person. https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81789958177?pwd=FI72qa1Xk1vEaU9XvVV0a8cyKwCKLa.1