Elda Naomi Hendrickson, 78, Sturgis, died Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Lippold Hospice Suite of the Sturgis Regional Health Care Center.

Elda was born January 13, 1931, at Newell, SD, to Hal and Blanche (Lewis) Paulson. She grew up in Newell.

Elda married Donald James "Whitey" Hendrickson at Belle Fourche, SD, on June 10, 1950. The couple lived in Lead and Whitewood while Don worked at Homestake. They moved to "Whitey's Ranch" near Bear Butte in the mid 70's. After Don retired, they had more time to enjoy their hobbies.

Elda enjoyed water aerobics and she was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church.

After Don's death in February of 2008, she continued to live on the ranch. She moved to Sturgis in October.

Survivors include her sons, James (Debra) Hendrickson, Litchfield, IL, Jack (Diane) Hendrickson, Vale, SD, and Mike (Colleen) Hendrickson, Sturgis; daughters, Donna (Charles) Himelrick, Hundred, WV, and Dorthy (Donald) Johnston, Rockford, IL; one brother, Paul (Wilma) Paulson, Tullos, LA; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; one daughter, Diane; four brothers; and one sister.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Rev. Michael Fox officiating. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.