Pamela Kay Hendricks

October 28, 1939 - July 19, 2021

Pamela Kay Hendricks, age 81, of Herrin, IL, passed away peacefully at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, in Manor Court of Carbondale, IL comforted by her loving husband, Roger Hendricks. After a long journey with Alzheimer’s her family is comforted to know she is now at rest. Pamela was born on October 28, 1939, in Marion, IN, the daughter of John Frederick and Kaye (Van Valer) Millspaugh. Pam was a graduate of Mississinewa High School of Gas City, IN, Class of 1957. She answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Air Force and after her period of faithful service was honorably discharged. She was set up on a blind date with Roger Hendricks and after a few missed opportunities, they eventually met. They danced on their first date and their union began. They were united in marriage on January 23, 1965, in Kokomo, IN, and together they have shared over 56 years of marriage. Pam’s work ethic was unmatched. Her vast organizational skills and ability to take charge and improve all systems and processes around her are legendary. Earlier in her working career she served as an Executive Secretary for a judge and two attorneys. Later she was office manager for her husband’s medical practice; Roger C. Hendricks MD, LTD and served in this capacity for 25 years. We sometimes wondered who was really working for whom. To say that Pam was involved in community affairs is an understatement. She was often thought of as a career volunteer (or serial volunteer to her family) and committed tirelessly to do whatever was needed to get the job done. Pam was extremely proud to be part of Herrin’s community and held herself and everyone around her to the highest standards to live in and give to this community. Pam’s involvement included such things as being a founding member of: Herrin Festa, Herrin Hospital Auxiliary, Herrin Civic Center, Marion Civic Center, and Herrin Youth Sports. She was an officer at the Herrin Chamber of Commerce and traveled to Chicago to advertise Herrin at the Illinois Tourism Bureau. She was the President of the Friends of Herrin City Library. She fed the community at the annual Herrin Thanksgiving Dinner and this became one of our family’s favorite traditions. And she taught classes for the American Cancer Society and collected donations annually. For over a decade she was a Girl Scout leader for Brownies and Juniors and served as the liaison for all leaders for the National Girl Scouts of America. She was a member of the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and held every leadership position at least once over the years. She decorated floats for parades and sets for Dance Recitals (lots of chicken wire, tissue, and disgruntled family members stuffing that chicken wire with colored tissue). She was extremely talented in fundraising so everyone wanted her to help sell tickets or cookies or collect donations. She was the Emcee for many Civic Center events, she was a judge for anything anyone needed, and she carried the torch, hobbling on crutches, through Herrin for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. And despite the time and energy all of this volunteering took, she was dedicated to visiting those in the hospital, feeding the community, helping people every day in Roger’s office, and raising her family. On her off hours, she chauffeured her children and participated in all of their activities including but not limited to: music lessons and recitals, dance lessons and recitals, tennis and gymnastic lessons, swim team practices and meets, art, ceramics, stained glass classes, karate, baseball (serving as Coach, Coach’s Assistant, Scorekeeper, Team Mom, and all around anything you need go to Pam and she’ll have it person), Girl Scout meetings, outings, and trips, Marching Band, Cheerleading, and team sports Assistant to the Team Doctor. Pamela and her family were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin and Marion, IL where she sang in the choir, taught in the Children’s and Youth Ministries, and served as a Deaconess and on the Hospitality planning and clean-up committees. Pam was a woman who could make things happen. She loved serving others, she kept her promises, she worked hard, she believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was looking, she laughed and had a good time, and she found joy in all things. The way she lived her life was contagious and most people felt better after talking or being with Pam. Pamela LOVED dancing with Roger, especially to “In the Mood”, watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball, listening to Johnny Matthis, dressing up for Halloween (the uglier the better), eating Elephant Ears, Circus Peanuts and black Jelly Beans, the smell of gardenias, Scrapbooking, serving others, laughing until she cried (or peed a little), and spending time with her family. Pamela is survived by her husband, Roger C. Hendricks of Herrin; two daughters and sons-in-law, Tamara Kaye “Tami” and Bryant Wentzel of Woodstock, GA, and Kimberly Dawn and Danny Basso of Augusta, GA; son, Vance Michael Hendricks of Herrin; five grandchildren, Maggie Basso and Samantha Basso both of Augusta, GA, Samuel Hendricks of Calgary, Canada and Justin Wentzel and Tyler Wentzel both of Woodstock, GA; two brothers and sister-in-law, Larry Millspaugh of Godley, TX, and Robert and Jane Millspaugh of Parker, Colorado; sister and brother-in-law, Sue Ellen and Michael Utterback of Lebanon, TN, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Michael Van Millspaugh and sister, Betsy Joan Bailey. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and in honor of Pam Hendricks contributions may be made to Herrin Hospital Auxiliary and the Williamson County Family Crisis Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. Our family has cherished all your prayers, condolences and memories of Pamela. Our load has lightened remembering how well she lived! On Saturday, September 18th, 2021, we are holding a Celebration of life for Pamela Hendricks at the First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Carbon Street, Marion. Illinois, 62959. Visiting hours with the family are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00. a.m. at the church. The Celebration service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with coffee and sweets directly after the service. We are grateful for all of our friends and family and hope to see you there. The family has requested no flowers or food at this time. For additional information, call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.