Carolyn Ruth (Kirkpatrick) Hendrickson

Carolyn Ruth (Kirkpatrick) Hendrickson left her family in the early morning hours of January 18th, 2024 to walk with Jesus through the gates of heaven. She was 76 years young.

She is survived by her husband, John and their children Mary Beth (Barry) Goff and Andy Hendrickson (Lori Davis), four grandchildren Tyler, Tanner, Taylor & Tori Goff; and her uncle, Paul (Karen) Kirkpatrick and their families and her devoted dog, Roxie. The grandson's "girls", Maddie (Bellush) and Evelyn (Allen) were a special part of her life. She had special relationships with her sisters-in-law Marge (Teller), Nellie (Jeske), Kathy (Pritchard), Janice & Vicki (Hendrickson.) In fact, there are so many that were considered part of their extended family, it is impossible to list them all. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Gail Ann, and a grandson, Thomas August Goff.

Born on December 2, 1947, to Earl Thomas and Ruth Maxine (Finney) Kirkpatrick in Danville, IL, she lived her childhood years on a farm outside Covington, IN. Carolyn graduated from Covington High School in 1965. She then went to work at Esco Corporation where she worked to buy her first car, a baby blue 1962 Chevy Impala that she still sits in her garage today.

In September of 1967, she met her match when introduced to John Hendrickson who had just returned from the Vietnam War conflict. True to her fastrack style, they were married in a Christmas wedding just four months later on December 16th. They moved to a tiny house on Madison Street in Danville and later to their family home around the corner on Alexander, where they spent nearly five decades of their married lives. These two Hendricksons' lived, loved, fought, worked, laughed and danced together for 56 years, 1 month and a day.

Carolyn was the classic stay-at home Mom. She built their family foundation from the home on Alexander Street around her kids, Mary Beth and Andy. She was very active in the PTA. She was instrumental in the fight to keep Cannon School open in the late 1990s and fought the demolition of the District's oldest building in 2022. Although Cannon School is gone, the many friendships she made there live on. During those years, you could likely find her dropping off kids at the skating rink, on the front porch swing listening to kids in the yard or at the motocross track watching Andy do his thing.

She was an animal lover and supported many related causes. She thoroughly enjoyed bird watching, gardening, harvesting fruit, canning, street rod cruises, and Harley rides. Most of all, Carolyn enjoyed her family. Her pride overflowed when she talked about her grandkids. Enjoying a meal on a day with her kids, grandkids, and "Johnny" was her absolute favorite thing to do. She lived for impromptu visits from friends, neighbors and relatives.

After her kids were older, she worked for a few years at Vermilion Valley Produce. There, she made the connection with The Mustang Room in Veedersburg. She and John bought the restaurant in 1988. Renamed The Apple Tree, they owned and operated the family restaurant for more than 30 years until sold in 2022. During those years, Carolyn hired, mentored, and fostered the lives of countless of their employees that passed through this iconic little hometown restaurant. The number of people that called her their "second Mom" is a tribute to the kindness she passed through the Fountain County community.

Carolyn loved fiercely, hugged tightly and was absolutely without-fail, always there for family, friends and her community. An old-fashioned spit-fire, she was kind, loyal and full of passion for those she loved. She had strong Kirkpatrick roots and was proud to be one of The Hendricksons'. Her story is not over. The best way to honor her memory is to pick up the phone to call someone you love or stop to see someone you have been meaning to visit. Memorials on her behalf should be sent to Promiseland Hooves & Hounds (promiselandhh@gmail.com).

Visitation will be Monday, January 22, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will take place at 2 pm, January 23, 2024 at Sterling Christian Church, Veedersburg, IN, with visitation one hour prior with Ron Sillings officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Shelby & Keller Funeral Home, 622 Third St, Covington, IN  47932  (765) 793-2221   www.shelbykellerfh.com