Vivian Marie Hendricks

Vivian Marie Hendricks, age 81, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2015, from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family at the Portland Adventist Medical Center. Prior to her passing, a Celebration of Life was held for Vivian on October 25, 2015 at The Village Retirement Center, Gresham, Oregon. It was attended by many of her closest family and friends. Vivian was born at home in North Dakota on September 16, 1934. She was the second oldest child of Eugenia and Albert Jensen. In 1935, when Vivian was one year old, her family moved to Hood River, Oregon. She attended Barrett and Oak Grove grade schools. She attended Hood River High School, and was in the first graduating class of Wy’East High School in 1952, where she played the clarinet in the band. After graduation, Vivian worked as a cashier at Hickey Food Market in Hood River. Vivian married Jim Edgemon in 1957 in Hood River, and moved to Burlingame, California. They had four daughters: Cindy Rushing (Joe), MA; Sandra Theus (Bill), Leavenworth, KS; Jackie Edgemon, Salem, OR; Judi Richards, San Jose, CA. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Steven and Jordan Rushing; Olivia and Elizabeth Theus; Ashlei and Austin Edgemon; Tyler and Tiffany Richards. Vivian was married for 20 years until divorced. She later married and divorced Ron Hendricks. After leaving California, Vivian also lived in Eugene and Portland. She worked at multiple jobs during her lifetime. In her younger years, most of her time was spent raising her daughters. Her main job for most of her later years was as a house manager/housekeeper. Vivian was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was loved by all who knew her. She believed that her main purpose in life was raising her daughters, spending time with her grandchildren, and sharing her love for God. Her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her family. She traveled frequently to the homes of her daughters. While there, all of her grandchildren looked forward to her chocolate chip pancakes, and playing games with her. Other passions Vivian had were reading her Bible and listening to Christian music. In her youth, she bought a piano to bring music into her family’s home, and taught herself how to play the piano by ear. She loved to sing Christian songs like “The Old Rugged Cross.” She also enjoyed making crafts, especially making homemade cards for family and friends. Vivian spent her life helping others. She also kept herself informed on current events regarding politics. She believed in fighting for unborn children and protecting religious freedom. She was a kind, generous, positive woman. She loved to laugh and had quick wit. She enhanced the lives of everyone she met. Vivian always put God first in her life, in everything she did. She looked forward to celebrating with all of her family and friends in Heaven one day. Vivian is also survived by her six siblings: Ivan Jensen, Delores Dixson, Marcella Huennekens, Millie Smith, Janet Johnson, and Sharon Phillips. She also has many other relatives and loving friends. She was predeceased by her parents. Those who knew and loved Vivian called her Mom, Grandma/Nana, Sister, Daughter, and Friend. She will be missed by all those fortunate to have known her. She is already missed so much. She will forever be our guardian angel. A private inurnment was held at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial on December 4, 2015 at 6705 SE 14th Ave., Portland, OR 97202. Charitable donations can be sent in remembrance of Vivian M. Hendricks to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research at CurePC.org, or to Oregon Right to Life at www.ortl.org. Service Information