Eva Mae Hendrickson

Eva Mae (Wilson) Hendrickson passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Eva was born in Havre, Mont., to Theodore "Ted" Roosevelt Wilson and Mary Ann "Molly" Leedy Reynolds Wilson on March 19, 1933. She was raised on the Long X Ranch, Larb Hills 60 miles south of Malta, Mont., which would come to be part of the Charles M Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Later moving to Malta for schooling.

While in high school in Malta, Eva met Russell Alfred Hendrickson. The two had a shared interest, both playing the trombone in the school band. Throughout high school the pair had a longstanding "date" on March 19 to celebrate their birthday as Russell shared the same birthday as Eva.

The two went on to pursue their careers after high school with her starting a career in nursing in Havre and Russell enlisting in the Navy. Russell and Eva later reconnected after he served his term in the Korean War, eventually marrying May 19, 1956 in Malta.

After a career of over 40 years as a registered nurse, and moving from Gildford to Hindsdale, Mont., she enjoyed helping and serving those around her in varying capacity. Following the retirement of her husband in 1984 from Hinsdale, they moved to the Hendrickson Farm south of Malta. Their time spent at the farm was short-lived, as they moved to Great Falls, Mont., in 1985. Eva would continue to reside in Great Falls until her passing.

Eva enjoyed participating in local activities and clubs in Great Falls where she formed lasting friendships, especially the Red Hats, Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, and the Unit 408 Duplicate Bridge Club. She also served on the City-County Health Board. A friend was made wherever she went.

She enjoyed whist, cribbage, and pinochle, later learning the game of bridge. Eva loved life, traveling when able and savoring her summers spent at Flathead Lake and seeing her favorite plays at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse; never one to miss a show. Cooking, baking and gardening were among her passions as well. She was a lover of wildlife and the family pets.

Her lineage includes her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Teddi Copenhaver (Russell Copenhaver), of Glasgow, Mont., Marissa Frye (Jeremy Frye), great-grandchildren Ethan and Kaleb Frye. Scott Copenhaver (Lacey Copenhaver) great-grandchildren Vernon, Wayon, Milli, Nolan and Murphy Copenhaver. Mark Hendrickson (Maggie Hendrickson), of Vancouver, Wash., grandchildren Molly, Mati and Marcus Hendrickson. Terri Madison (Rod Madison) of Great Falls, grandchildren Lindsey Wyatt (Will Wyatt).

Eva is proceeded in death by her parents Ted and Molly (Reynolds) Wilson; the love of her life and husband Russell Alfred Hendrickson; an infant son; her siblings, Vada Reynold Loomis, Anna Lee Reynolds Smith, Rachel Reynolds Smith, Jack Reynolds, Joe Reynolds, and Divila Reynolds Wiederrick.

A truly strong and radiant woman, she was a light to all those around her. Eva led a life devoted to her family, her friends, and her faith. Eva was life's biggest cheerleader, living every minute of her 90 years to the fullest. Nothing was taken for granted, appreciating the simple things. Eva's strength and her wit were unmatched, even as her time was coming near. She leaves behind an unwavering legacy of love and wisdom that will run multiple generations deep. A loving wife, mother and friend. Eva will be missed dearly by those that knew her.

The funeral services were held Saturday, June 3, at Faith Lutheran Church in Great Falls, Mont. A graveside service took place at Malta Cemetery later that day.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Phillips County Museum.