Steven Dwight Hendricks was born in Morenci, Arizona, on Nov. 2, 1943, to the proud parents, Clyde and Alta Hendricks, and big sister, Caroline (Sally), of Duncan, Arizona. He was raised in Sheldon, Arizona. At a young age, he worked at his mother’s restaurant in Duncan, where he acquired his love for cooking. He attended school in Duncan. He graduated high school in 1962. After high school, he worked for the Forest Service with a fire crew for a few years. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for several years active and in the reserves. In 1966 when he ended his military career, he began a 17-year career for Mountain Bell telephone company. During this time, Steve met the love of his life in 1968, Linda Faye Price.
Steve and Linda were wed on May 31, 1968. They resided in Pima, Arizona. On March 2, 1970, they welcomed their first child together, Russell Dwight Hendricks. Nineteen months later on October 5, 1971, they welcomed a daughter, Lora Lynn Hendricks and to their surprise, they also welcomed a boy, Leslie Franklin Hendricks. Twins! Steve could hardly believe his ears when he was pulled aside at work and was told Linda had delivered another baby. In 1973, Steve moved his family to Duncan to be closer to Linda’s parents.
While raising his family in Duncan, he enjoyed many hobbies with his family like gardening, tending to his small orchard, raising chickens, guineas, and peacocks, hunting, trapping, and fishing. Steve, Russ, and Les went on countless hunting adventures.
In 1983, he went to work for Phelps Dodge working as an electrician. During this time, he enjoyed helping his children with FFA projects and hunting and fishing, of course. He later retired from Phelps Dodge in 2004. After retiring and raising his family, he went on to welcome daughter-in-laws, a son-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Steve and Linda continued to make their home in Duncan after retirement. Together they enjoyed online shopping, several trips to the casinos around the area, and visiting with family and friends.
In 2016 Steve lost his loving wife of 48 years. After the passing of Linda, Steve moved to Safford to live with his son, Les. While living with Les, Steves’s favorite pastime was watching old Westerns and eating all the sweets and red enchiladas he could get his hands on.
In 2021, Steve’s health started to decline. During this difficult time, the family welcomed a wonderful caregiver, Dana, to help while his children were at work. He spent his last days surrounded by the love of his children and family.
