Connie Sue Hendrick

Connie Sue Hendrick, 79, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Rock River Valley Hospice & Home in Sterling. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chadwick. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Chadwick Fire Department, the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick, and Rock River Hospice and Home.

Connie was born October 29, 1946, in Freeport, the daughter of Lloyd and Gladys (Miller) Beyer. She graduated from Chadwick High School with the Class of 1964. During high school she dated Robert “Gene” Hendrick and knew he was the one. On June 21, 1964, Connie and Gene were married in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. They raised two children, Ronnie and Brenda, and celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Connie served her community for more than three decades with the United States Postal Service, working as a clerk beginning in 1971 and later serving as postmaster in Chadwick, Pearl City, and Lanark before retiring in 2003 after 32 years of service. She was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years including singing with the choir, participated in the National Association of Postmasters, and was an active member of Home Extension. Connie also spent several years as a reading grandma in Milledgeville.

Connie loved to create and to share. She was an avid quilter and basket maker, often sewing with a close group of friends at the church. Her quilts and handcrafted baskets were treasured by family and friends. Connie enjoyed baking—she made wedding cakes and home-baked treats for family gatherings—and was known for always having a homemade, heartfelt meal ready for visitors. Through the years, she and Gene enjoyed modern square dancing (including national conventions in Milwaukee, Louisville, and Lake Geneva). Connie and Gene loved attending their daughter’s concerts and proudly followed their grandchildren to all their sporting events.

Connie is survived by her husband, Gene Hendrick; her son, Ronnie (Rachel) Hendrick of Milledgeville and her daughter Brenda Hendrick of East Peoria; two grandchildren Ashlyn (Ty Brockman) and Colton Hendrick. She also leaves many close friends from her high school class of 1964 and quilting circle, all of whom will miss her companionship and steady, generous spirit.

Connie is proceeded in death by both parents Lloyd and Gladys and two brothers, Ronnie and Roger.