Thorndike "Thorny" Hendershott, 85, of Iron Mountain, Michigan and formerly of Olney, died Wednesday, September 17, 2003. A memorial was held in Iron Mountain, Mich. for his family. He donated his body to University of Michigan's Medical Science Department for research. When his body is returned, burial will be in Olney.

Mr. Hendershott was born on September 24, 1917, the son of Thorndike and Mabel (Sutherlin) Hendershott. He married Mary Martha Denison on June 16, 1946. She survives. He was the oldest living member of the First Baptist Church (74 years) and a 57-year member of Olney Masonic Lodge 140 and BPOE 926. He was a long-time employee of H.L. Dust & Sons and Linkon Auto Supply. He retired in 1982.

After living in Olney for 76 years, he and his wife of 57 years moved to Iron Mountain, Mich. to see his granddaughters grow up. He was a part of their lives on a daily basis. He loved to read and match his wit and memory against crossword puzzles. He was a loving husband and father and his family has been truly blessed by his life.

Mr. Hendershott is survived by his wife, Mary Martha Hendershott, of Iron Mountain, Mich.; a son, Tom Hendershott, of Iron Mountain, Mich.; and a daughter, Lynne Wilson and her husband, John, of Iron Mountain, Mich. Rachel and Danielle were his only grandchildren and a source of great joy for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Elizabeth Conour.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)