Shirley Wentz Davis

Nov. 3,1937 to Dec. 16, 2024

Shirley Wentz Davis, daughter of German parents, John and Eldena Wentz, and older sister to Bonnie Anderson and Sharon Huisman, was born in Lacombe, Alberta Canada. Shirley was raised in a farming family, first living on the Penhold farm, next to Red Deer airport, Springbrook Alberta Canada, then moving to the Wentz’s farm in Bentley, Alberta Canada. Before the age of 12 she was driving a tractor and a car. She could hook up a team of horses and milk cows by the age of four.

When Shirley was a teenager her father had a farm accident causing heavy damage to his hand. John, along with Eldena spent four months in the hospital, meanwhile Shirley had to quit school to take care of her sisters and the farm. Upon their return Shirley left home, lying about her age, saying she was 18 when she was only 16, to become a secretary in Edmonton.

Shirley enjoyed playing the piano and singing. She had a piano recital with the Royal Canadian Symphony, which played on the radio. She was also in high demand to sing the Canadian National Anthem.

The Wentz family immigrated to the United States January 1, 1956. Shirley went from grade 12 straight into college. She started her secretarial career in Portland at the Holiday Park Hospital and from there went to Pacific Power and Light where she spent 28 years before retiring due to corporate downsizing. During her time at PP&L she was in high demand for her shorthand skills. She became the secretary to the Vice President of the Engineering Department. Shirley lived in a highrise apartment in downtown Portland and while there she became close friends with Elly, a lovely Danish lady.

Elly and her husband, Fred Batchler hosted a Danish luncheon where Shirley was introduced to the love of her life, Richard “Dick” L. Davis. They were married April 9, 1983. Dick and Fred coached Babe Ruth together. Dick and Shirley lived in SW Portland on Marigold Street, then moved to Mountain Park in Lake Oswego. Shirley enjoyed selling Mary Kay products for five years. She joined the Mountain Park Tennis club and played for several years. Shirley and Dick also enjoyed square dancing. They also enjoyed many more of Fred and Elly’s Danish luncheons.

Shirley’s parents eventually moved to Mesa, Arizona. They soon needed more care so Shirley and Dick started making trips down to help them out. Dick retired in 1998 and in 2002 they moved to Mesa. While there Shirley enjoyed swimming, tennis, playing cards, and the happy hours with their neighbors.

Shirley and Dick’s family moved them back to the Northwest in 2023 to live in Vancouver, WA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldena and John Wentz, her brother-in-law Jim Anderson and niece, Kathy Anderson. She is survived by her sisters, Bonnie of Portland, OR and Sharon of Lacombe, Alberta Canada, her stepsons Derek (Susan) and Dirk (Wendy), niece Shelly Anderson, grandchildren Rachel, Megan, Tabitha, Preston, and great grandchild Callum.

An Interment Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:15am, followed by a reception.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dignitymemorial.com