Doris E. Henderson

Doris E. Henderson, age 92, of Elburn, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Doris was born in Ramsey, IL, on September 28, 1927, to proud parents, Cecil and Aline (Wilson) Rhodes. The Rhodes had a large family; Doris was the oldest daughter, born after her brother Harold, to be followed by: Noel, Mildred, Mary, Gene and Karen. She was a big help caring for her siblings and enjoyed playing school with them.

With Cecil being a farmer during the Great Depression, the Rhodes family had to move often,, trying to make ends meet. Doris graduated from high school in Sycamore, IL, Class of 1945. She enjoyed Home Economics and had expressed that she would have liked to have been a Home Economics teacher. Her dad was working at a farm outside of Elburn, where she met Claude Henderson. Claude soon left to serve his country in Germany during World War II. Doris and Claude kept in contact during his stay in Germany, while Doris worked at Hawley’s in St. Charles, IL, a manufacturer that supported the war effort.

Upon his return, Doris and Claude were united in marriage on December 6, 1947, and were married for 71 years. Doris and Claude built their first home, “the log cabin,” on Pierce Street, where they lived for over 20 years. In 1951, their oldest child, Regan was born. Three other children later followed: Susie, Kathy and Ron. In 1971, the Henderson family began building their next home on Willow Street in Elburn, where both Doris and Claude lived for the remainder of their lives. They also enjoyed many years in their summer home on Stocking Lake in Menahga, Minnesota.

While Doris’s number one priority was being a homemaker, on February 2nd, 1967, Doris began selling cosmetics for Avon. Being the social and fashionable person that she was, Doris enjoyed this position very much, and continued selling Avon for close to 50 years. She was known by many residents as “Elburn’s Avon Lady.”

The really hard work that Doris did, though, was one of being the mother of four children and an outstanding homemaker. Her four children could not have asked for a more devoted mother. She was an excellent cook and always took great care of her family. Doris was a fastidious housekeeper, loved to clean and had a flair for decorating. She was still cleaning her house at 92 and a half years old!

Doris also enjoyed music and loved to dance. There were many fun parties in the basement on Willow Street, where friends would gather, dance and have a great time. She also loved fashion and always looked beautiful in her clothes and her jewelry.

Doris was so excited when each of her eight grandchildren were welcomed into the world. She would always pack her bag to go stay and help the babies get started in the world or welcome them into her home. She often stated how she was the first one to bathe each of her grandchildren! Over the years, her grandchildren brought her great joy and pride. Her quiet and gentle laughter over their “antics” will forever be held deep in their hearts.She could not have possibly been more loved by her children and her grandchildren, which she certainly had earned with all her care and affection. She will always be remembered for her gentle manner, loving smile and her infectious laugh.

Doris is survived by three of her children Sue (Scott) Novak, Kathy Henderson Cone and Ron Henderson; eight grandchildren: Brian Henderson, Zach and Max Novak, Ian and Sean Henderson, Evelyn (Brett) Landers, Francie (fiance, Anthony Zgobica) and Eve Cone; as well as three great-grandchildren: Stuart and Chloe Henderson, and Aaron Landers.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Claude Henderson; her son, Regan Henderson; her parents, Cecil and Aline Rhodes; two brothers, Harold and Noel Rhodes; and two sisters, Mildred Elliott and Karen Tucker.

A private family funeral will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Elburn, with Interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery.