Aretta Ellen Hendrickson

Aretta E. Hendrickson

June 3, 1939 — February 21, 2024

Aretta Ellen Hendrickson: born to Lonnie and Etta Rardon on June 3,1939 in Rolla, ND. 

The tiniest of our tribe of women made her way to heaven. Although so tiny . . . her heart was the mightiest and most faithful, and it’s no doubt the gates were open waiting for her. We love you sweet little Irish Lady. I know you’ll put a good word in for us on the other side. We Thank-you, God for answered prayers… our Sweet Little Mama passed early the morning of February 21, 2024 at approximately 5:45 a.m. she was 84 years old. Lyndell was singing to her on her departure and described it as the most precious and peaceful moment ever. Fly High Mom!

From the very beginning Momma Loved Jesus & it Showed In All She Did…

She loved going to church, singing in the choir, reading her bible, going to church camps & just about anything or any function that had to do with Jesus.

Aretta married James Hendrickson June 3, 1959 following his proposal to her on February 14^th, 1959.  Shortly thereafter, they had a daughter Robin & moved to California where Aretta would take up being a Rancher/Farmer’s housewife & they would soon have 2 more children, Reatta and Lyndell.

Aretta loved being a homemaker and mother & took on the responsibilities well.  She kept a beautiful home & also helped maintain a beautiful yard.  She loved to cook & bake and always put wonderful meals on the table.  

Aretta loved to sew, knit & crochet, she made a lot of beautiful clothing for all her children. She also made clothes for other people as well.   She made at least 2 wedding dresses in her time.  It was not unusual to wake up in the night and find her sewing our beautiful dresses so they would be done on time for special occasions.

On February 15th, 2018 Aretta suffered from the death of her large intestine that caused her to need many procedures & surgeries.  She fought like a champ for over 6 years and on February 21, 2024 she left peacefully to go home to our Lord.

She is survived by 1 sister, Janice Hvidsten, her 3 daughters, Robin Gail Whyte (Steve Whyte), Reatta Ellen Hendrickson and Lyndell Rae Foster (Randy Foster), and 6 grandchildren Timothy Preston Pederson son of Robin, Dominic Hendrickson son of Reatta, Garret Hendrickson, Chanelle Hendrickson Marcellais, Kyle Hendrickson and Alysha Foster children of Lyndell, and 9 great grandchildren, Xavier, Luke, Zaiden, Izayis, Abrielle, Declan, Adriana, Aaliyah, Arietta, Aurora, Kya, Shaya and One Little Blessing due in August.

Aretta was preceded in death by her father Lonnie Rardon, her mother Etta Rardon, 4 infant sisters and sisters Stella Johnson, Marlene Soltis.