Lorraine was born in Morrison, Illinois, the oldest daughter of Arthur and Emma (Gregory) Ballard/Gillman, and grew up on Third Street in Rock Falls. Lorraine was an active child and loved riding her grandfather’s horse named Peanuts, cheering on the Rock Falls Junior High cheerleading squad, and working at Danny Daniel’s, a well-known downtown restaurant. Lorraine attended Rock Falls High School.
Lorraine met her future husband of 67+ years—Wayne Hendryx—at Thomeway Van Lines, where she worked as an office clerk and distributed paychecks. Wayne would come to collect his check, and his playful humor won over his bride. Lorraine married Wayne on November 23, 1948. The couple settled in Rock Falls and started a family. While Wayne worked at the North Western Steel & Wire, Lorraine raised their three children, worked at Belscot in Rock Falls, and later, at Leroux’s Jewelry in Sterling. Lorraine and Wayne were founding members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rock Falls. They remained active in Good Shepherd throughout their lives.
Avid campers, Lorraine and Wayne, visited all of the lower 48 states in their camper, proudly displaying a map of their travels on their kitchen wall. Not to leave the job undone, they flew to Hawaii and Alaska to complete their 50-state visits.
Lorraine’s survivors include her son, Steven (Peggy) Hendryx; son, Tom (Sheryl) Hendryx; brother, Wayne (Pat) Ballard; 9 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Christy Kobbeman, grandson Paul Kobbeman, sister Karen Hodges, and brother Dean Ballard.
Visitation will be at the Rock Falls Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, this Saturday, June 13, from 8:30-10:00 am and immediately followed by a church service. Following the service, burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park on Illinois Route 40 in Sterling. The Reverend John Sharp of Good Shepherd will officiate at all services.
McDonald Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Following the burial, guests are welcome to return to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for a luncheon.
