Marilyn Yvonne Hendrickson

Martinsville - Marilyn Yvonne Ham Hendrickson, 85, peacefully departed this life and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, November 28, 2022. She is now enjoying life eternal surrounded by beloved family members and friends who have gone on before her in a beautiful place free from pain and suffering,

Marilyn was born March 24, 1937 in Washington, Daviess County, IN to the late Harold Hadley and Lillian Marie Rose Ham. She spent many years in her youth living with her beloved aunt, Clarice Justine Ham, or "Teeny," as she was fondly called.

Marilyn married young and began a rather large family, so she did not finish her education until later in life. She often stated, "The times I remember most fondly were the births of my children." In 1977, she earned her GED from Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, IN. She graduated in the same class as her middle son. She and all her children graduated from the same high school. They were a family of "Braves," which was fitting because her late husband, James, often called the children a bunch of wild Indians.

Marilyn went on to fulfill her professional aspirations when she was certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She often said, "After caring for seven children, it can't be that hard patching up others." She worked for nine months in a hospital setting, fourteen years in private practice and two years in immediate care.

Although Marilyn had attended several different church denominations in her life, sang in choirs, and even did some Bible teaching, she never truly accepted God the Father's only way of salvation from the penalty of sin, and sin itself, through His Son, Jesus Christ until September 20, 2002.

That was the day a tornado tore through Martinsville leaving devastation in its path. It took the roof off of Marilyn's house while she and her dogs were huddled inside. When the storm was over she emerged dazed and bewildered, but her eyes were finally opened to God's almighty power. She finally took Him at His Word and believed by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Marilyn enjoyed a variety of activities such as: sewing, gardening, canning, camping, traveling, reading, watching her children play sports, cheering on the Colts, yelling at I.U. basketball, feeding wild birds, dining out and watching television. She loved cats and dogs. Her Yorkies, Guy and Razzy, and her cat, Alice, were faithful companions to her for a number of years.

As her body declined in strength, she lived out her remaining years at Grand Valley Health and Rehab in Martinsville. She was well cared for and much loved and enjoyed by the staff for her quick wit, humor and soft-spoken manner.

Marilyn was preceded in death by husbands, Franklin Delano Lane and James Axberg Hendrickson; parents, Harold Hadley and Lillian Marie Rose Ham; step-mother, Muriel Louise Colbert Ham; step-father, Oral John Woods; brothers: William Eugene Ham, Charles Richard Ham, Robert Harlan Ham, John Michael Ham, Sr. and Daniel Patrick Ham; sisters, Lisa Louise Ham Couch and Patricia Jean Ham O'Conner; step-son, Melvin Le Roy Doan, Sr.; and step-daughter, Terry Suzanne Pringle Hendrickson.

She is survived by her daughters: Michelle Kean and her husband, Richard of Martinsville, IN, Tina Lane and her husband, Dennis Smith of Georgetown, IN, Erin Cunningham and her husband, Floyd of Mackinaw, IL and Mye Lane and her husband, Joseph Pisano, of Bolton, MA; sons: Frank Lane and his wife, Virginia of Celina, TN, Richard Lane and his wife, Carla of Camby, IN and Jon Hendrickson and his wife, Michele of Trafalgar, IN; step-daughters, Judith Doan of Greenwood, IN and Donna Sanderson and her husband, Edward; step-son, Jim Hendrickson; sisters: Iona Ortiz of El Paso, TX, Rose Hutton and her husband, David of Martinsville, IN, Diana Skomp and her husband, Alvin of Washington, IN, Mary Anita Jones of Indianapolis, IN, Lee Ann Ham of Indianapolis, IN and Lorri Starner and her husband, Neal of OH; fifteen (15) grandchildren; twenty three (23) great grandchildren; two (2) great-great grandchildren; twelve (12) step-grandchildren; twenty one (21) step-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn's family will receive friends Monday, December 5, 2022, from 3 – 7 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. A celebration of her life will be conducted Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 10 am at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood, IN with Pastor Jeff Faull of Mt. Gilead Church in Mooresville officiating. Her grandsons: Jason Lane, Derek Kean, Nicholas Watkins, Ryne Lane, Walker Dunn and Erik Hendrickson will serve as pallbearers.

Marilyn's final message to her friends and family was as follows, "Celebrate my life and don't grieve because it has been a very good life." This is not a final goodbye, but a "See you later."

Please continue to support Marilyn's family during this difficult time by clicking the "Share Memories" icon above and sharing your memories, thoughts and prayers.