Virginia R. Hendricks

I was born July 10, 1925 at 7:00 a.m. at home in Lilis, Kansas, Marshall County on the family farm where Dad was helping out. I was the fourth of eight children. The doctor called back 2 hours later because of my yellow jaundice. I acquired the nickname of Gin. My older brother Louis was the only one who could understand me and he did a lot of translating to the rest of the family for me. We moved to rural Lincoln around 1929 or 1930 when I was 5 years old I think when the family farm was sold. I started 1st grade in county school.

My dad, George Mentgen, got sick and had to go to a hospital in Omaha. I'm not sure what was wrong, but I think appendicitis. It took him time to recover, so mom, Florence Lafferty Mentgen, moved us to Havelock, a suburb of Lincoln to be close to her sister. We lived on Gladstone Street, around 63rd for several years. The next residence was at 58th and Kearney Street, which was replaced by the Goodyear Rubber Plant. I attended Catholic School through 5th grade, Havelock Grade School for 6th, then Junior High at Havelock Junior/Senior High School. the new Northeast High School was completed for my 10th year.

Dad worked with WPA, a government program to provide jobs during the depression, helping to construct the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, which was formerly a garbage dump. There is a brick that has his name on it along one of the sidewalks. Those were very tough times for everyone during the 30's. Times were very lean, but we always had enough to eat. One of the fun things I remember doing was going to the Joyo Theater in Havelock. Louis would pick up pop & beer bottles in alleys and streets and turn them in for money. Then off to the movies Louis, Pat, and I would go. We could sit through movies twice then. I remember seeing Tom Mix and Wizard of Oz. Another entertainment was Capitol Beach, which was an amusement park and picnic grounds. Sometimes businesses provided a free picnic lunch. Fun. Our clothes were few (unlike the kids today). It was that way for almost everyone in those times. I had two dresses that were alike but different colors. Also, a pair of overalls for play.

A couple of things that I remember during childhood were seeing Santa Clause. One year my Uncle Everett dressed up like Santa. He woke us up and gave us our toys. We were really impressed. My dad dressed up like Santa too. I think we were easily fooled! A couple of Christmas presents I remember were a little doll, scooter, and we always had a stocking filled with an orange, apple, nuts, and hard candy.

I only went to Northeast one semester then we moved to Palmyra, Nebraska. We lived in the country once again and attended school at Palmyra High School (my sister Jean and I). I remember performing in a play, but can't remember the play title. I remember having lots of fun. I was a shy girl, but liked school. I got good grades in everything, but I really liked English.

Our family had a radio that was like a large piece of furniture. It was like the TV is today in the living room. We would listen to programs at night. I remember Fiber Magee & Molly and a show called Inter Sanction (like the Twilight Zone). It was on that radio that we heard our brother's name. They were talking about the Allied forces in Germany at Christmas time and they announced that Louis Mentgen was preparing Christmas dinner for the troops.

On December 3, 1943, tragedy struck. My class was let out early for the scrap drive for the war effort. We were to look for paper, metal, etc. that could be used again in the war effort. We were assigned in small groups with someone that had their car at school. There were 6 of us in Darlene's car. After we were done with the search, Darlene suggested we go to Bennett to see what the kids there were doing. When we got there, we found they were all still in school so we headed back to Palmyra. Darlene lost control of the car on a gravel road and rolled. Of course, this was before seat belts and we were thrown out of the vehicle. The driver, Darlene, and Bethel, rear left passenger were ok. Doris Anderson and I were in the front seat and we were thrown into the ditch. Clyde and Hazel Reed were in the back seat and thrown out also. At that time, the doctor would ride in the ambulance to the scene. I'm not sure how long we were at the scene before they arrived. I was semi-conscious and remember hearing Dr. Carveth say 'she's dead' to someone. I wasn't sure whom they were talking about. Clyde was put in the ambulance with me. I remember him moaning, and then they said he's gone.

Doris has a broken collarbone and pelvis. My injuries consisted of a brain concussion, fractured jaw, fractured breastbone and ribs, and a broken ankle. Thank goodness Dr. Carveth was there. My mother said three doctors said I wouldn't make it through the night, but Dr. Carveth wanted to try to save me. I was in the hospital for three weeks, then recuperated at home for several more months. I missed the rest of the school year. My mother stayed with me at the hospital the whole time. She said I was getting so tired of getting shots for the pain, that I finally said stay away! Doris and I shared a room after a week, so we had each other's company. No Christmas dinner for me as my jaw was wired shut (lots of malts though). I received so many cards and well wishes. To this day, I still have trouble with my foot, but am grateful that is all. It was such a traumatic thing to happen. The memory is still vivid even after all this time.

Jean and I stayed in town while going to school. I stayed with the principal and Jean stayed with a family that owned the drug store. This was done then when you lived a distance from school. We each earned enough money to pay our keep plus have extra. I had enough to buy my class ring and extra cast for skip day.

Virginia worked at Globe Laundry for 30 years and Norden's Laboratory for 10 before retiring. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially their longtime tradition of having them over to decorate her Christmas tree.

Preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers; 3 sister; 1 grandchild and 1 son-in-law.

Survived by her daughters: Diana Sanderson; Peggy (Ron) Heinke and son Steve (Gayleen) Maurer; 6 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and 19 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Virginia will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.

Memorials to an organization of your choice or to the family for future designation.