Gay H. (Martin) Hendricks, 87, of Saint Paul, MN passed away after a 3-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease on August 29, 2024.

Gay was born on March 9, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio to Gretchen and John (Jack) Martin. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1955. She then attended Ohio Wesleyan University and graduated in 1959, where she earned her B.A. degree in Home Economics. She was very active in college life and was a life long member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. She returned to school later to earn her M.A. in Education from the College of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, MN.

In 1959, she started her career working for the Ohio Fuel and Gas company as a “Betty Newton” (she was an early Martha Stewart). Gay had a varied career in public education and enjoyed her role as a teacher in early childhood, adult, traditional public schools as well as program development, management and directing programs that benefitted generations of people. After moving to MN in 1977, she had a variety of roles at 916 Vocational College (now known as Century College) from 1977 to 1987. She ended her career in education and advocacy as the Director of Community and Vocational Education for the North Saint Paul, Maplewood and Oakdale school district. She would retire in 1995.

In her free time, Gay loved to travel, read, garden, knit, crochet, do a variety of needle arts, sew, quilt. She could create a wonderful meal out of nearly anything found in the cupboards or fridge. She particularly loved time with friends and family and was never shy about talking to “friends she hadn’t met yet”.

Gay enjoyed many adventures with her beloved husband of 33 years, John W. Hendricks. They loved their winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and always looked forward to their lake-side summers in Cumberland, WI. They traveled extensively through Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. They resided in MN, WI, and Arkansas. Wherever they were living, they both were enthusiastic and active volunteers in community service.

Gay will be greatly missed by her brother George Martin (Caroline), son Todd Rauch (Debbie), daughter Laura Flaherty (Andrew), stepchildren Deborah Hendricks, Rebecca Hendricks (Ted Key), Bradley Hendricks (Marilyn Pearson Hendricks), Cynthia Hendricks (Scott Williams), her grandchildren Kyle Rauch (Jillian), Cody Rauch (Chloe), Austin Rauch (Ayahna), step-grandchildren Sarah Roemer (Derek St. Louis), Ray Hendricks, Elizabeth Roemer, Reagan Flaherty and Myles Flaherty. Gay is also a great-grandmother to Hayden, River, Joshua, Skyler Rauch and Juniper St. Louis and she is the aunt to 10 nieces and nephews and countless great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the WBL United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch Street, WBL, MN 55110 on Friday, October 18th at 2 pm. A celebration of Gay’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th at the Thomas St. Angelo Library Community room, 1305 2nd Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Gay’s family would appreciate memorial gifts be made to: The Gay and John Hendricks Retention Scholarship Fund, Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 S. Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015 or The Friends of the Thomas St. Angelo Library, 1305 2nd Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829.

Todd and Laura would like to thank: Elizabeth and the Skinner Family funeral services, The Gables of Boutwells Landing caregivers and administrative staff, Amy, RN and the staff at Lakeview Hospice, Beth Oman, NP and the Regions Medical Center staff for all of their loving, kind, considerate and compassionate care of our Mom, as well as of us, for the last 3 years.

Last Update: Sep 04, 2024 1:56 pm CDT