Eleanor Adams Kendrick, a Patrick County native and an octogenarian, recently became a nonagenarian and celebrated her 90th birthday in Collinsville, at a party at El Ranchito restaurant.
Surrounded by her beloved family members, consisting of her nonagenarian sisters, their children and spouses, her son, Danny Kendrick, and her grandchildren, Meagan and Christopher Kendrick to honor her birthday. Eleanor enjoyed a casual and social afternoon at the local Mexican restaurant El Ranchito. Guests travelled from as far as Eastern Virginia, and North Carolina to attend her birthday celebration.
Eleanor was born on November 20, 1933, and recalls using a horse and buggy to navigate the bumpy roads of Patrick County. She married Otha Kendrick in 1958 and lived faithfully with him in Bassett Virginia, where they made their home. Blessed with a son, Danny, born in 1964, she stayed home to raise him. She worked at Hardee’s in Bassett, where she was a steadfast employee and retired at the age of 82, after 30 years of service. She was an instrumental part of creating the group of singers and players that Bassett Hardee’s was known for. Every Tuesday, a group of musicians gathered at Hardee’s to entertain and brighten the mornings of Bassett residents and visitors alike, under the gentle leadership of Mrs. Kendrick. A devout woman, she continues to attend The Church of God of Prophecy in Patrick Springs, where she has attended for many years.
Mrs. Kendrick continues to live independently in Bassett, where she has resided since 1958. Before retirement, she devoted time volunteering at Stanleytown Rehab to help the “old folks” in the retirement center. No one ever wanted to tell her that she was older than some of the residents! Since then, she has enjoyed playing the piano at church every Sunday morning, talking to her sisters on the phone, and hosting visits from her beloved family.
The family wishes to thank the guests who attended her small party, and, importantly, the many members of this community who made her birthday special by sending her cards, calling her, and bringing her flowers.
