In Loving Memory of Rosalie ‘Pode’ Hendricks: 1928-2022   

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Rosalie “Pode” (Rushton) Hendricks passed away in her home on Nov. 23, 2022. Pode was born on May 27, 1928, to Bob and Gladys Rushton in Copalis, Washington. 

The Rushton family moved many times during her childhood. She attended school in Hoquiam, Boistfort, Pe Ell and Morton, and graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1946. As a young person, she worked in the seafood industry shucking oysters and clams. 

Pode worked many years as one of the only women to man Lucas Creek Lookout. She also worked in the strawberry fields for the Powel family in Silver Creek, and the Anderson blueberry Farm in Mossyrock as a “berry” bus driver and a field boss for 30 years. She was known to be strict and fair. 

In Pode’s retirement, she enjoyed working at her son’s store, the Mossy-Mini in Mossyrock.  While Pode was in high school, Mossyrock school put up a bulletin board honoring the servicemen in WWII, where Frederick Hendricks’ picture was posted. Pode walked by his picture and said, “I am going to marry that soldier.” Pode met that handsome soldier after the war. They dated for a short time and were married on Sept. 9, 1946. They made their home in Onalaska where they raised three children and were lovingly devoted to each other for 60 years.  

Pode was active in her family and community. While raising her children, Pode was a local 4-H leader. Pode’s favorite past time was traveling. She and Fred took yearly summer road trips, and they were active in the Good Sam Club. They especially enjoyed their time as snowbirds, spending many winters in Quartzsite, Arizona. Pode was also a member of the Mossyrock Garden Club and the over 50 Club. She was always happy to attend a potluck or gathering. 

Pode was baptized and attended the Baptist Church in Silver Creek. Pode enjoyed reading, playing bingo, and going to the casino with friends and family. She was a sports fan and loved cheering on the Mariners and Seahawks. Her door was always open, ready for friends and family to stop by for a visit. Her family was the most important aspect of her life and she was always interested and involved in their lives.  

Pode is survived by her sister Dona Letteer, of Deary, Idaho; her oldest daughter Dianna (Arnie) DeYoung, of Centralia, Washington; her daughter Susan (Michael) Johnson, of Chehalis, Washington; and her son Fred (Sheri) Hendricks, of Onalaska, Washington; along with six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Pode also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Hendricks, and her siblings: Gen Young, Bud Rushton, Dea Swigert and Pete Rushton.  

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary on Dec. 1, 2022. A graveside service at Klickitat Cemetery in Mossyrock will take place at 1 p.m. and a dinner reception will follow at the Salkum Fire Hall. Please bring a dessert to share. Flowers can be sent to the mortuary, or donations can be made in Pode’s honor via venmo@lennonswarriors.