Shirley Duane Wentworth

On June 15, 2021 the Lord called home his faithful servant Shirley Duane Wentworth after 81 years of serving his Lord. He was surrounded by family and friends as he slipped the bonds of this earthly life to claim his reward in Heaven. Shirley served as the spiritual leader of his household as well as leading his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other relatives to love the Lord. He lived a life for God and served Him well.

On April 6, 1940, Marshal Howard Wentworth and Elizabeth Lee (Watson) Wentworth welcomed God’s blessing into their life. Shirley received his first miracle from God at birth when the dedicated service of their local doctor stemmed the effects of a virus in his eyes preventing him from being blind. He lived a full life in Vevay, Indiana playing basketball, making lifelong friends, and preparing to start a family and serve God and his country.

Shirley joined the Navy in September 1958 eventually rising to the rank of Chief Petty Office and serving for 21 years retiring in 1979. He served at several duty stations, on two different ships, and overseas. He served his country with honor and dignity and with full zeal earning numerous commendations and awards. This echoed his commitment to serving his Savior.

He and Linda Lou (Washer) Wentworth met in High School in Vevay, Indiana becoming husband and wife on October 17, 1959. Together they served God and the Navy raising three children Jeffrey Duane Wentworth, Tamula Sue (Wentworth) Smith, and Timothy Howard Wentworth celebrating 61 plus years of marriage. The joy of his life was being involved in his children’s activities and seeing them grow in The Lord and mature in life. Shirley served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Choir Member, Men’s Club Member, Prayer Warrior, Lay Leader, Certified Lay Speaker, and Champion for Christ. He never met a stranger and his smile was his most endearing feature. Shirley followed the tenets of Matthew 25 using his talents and spreading God’s Love. There is a song lyric that says: “when this life is over and the next one has begun, let it begin with Well Done!” Shirley will most assuredly hear those words from his God and Savior.

Shirley is preceded in death by parents Marshal Howard and Elizabeth Lee, brother Nelson Allen Wentworth, and son Jeffrey Duane. He was also preceded in death by numerous other relatives. He is survived by wife Linda Lou, children Tamula Sue and Timothy Howard, son-in-law Terry Lee Smith, daughter-in-law Marcia Ann Mansur-Wentworth, grandchildren Justin Lee Smith, Ashley Nicole (Smith) Carter, Wesley Jay Carter, Whitney Rae (Jones) Smith, and Dallas Colton Baker, great grandchildren Gentry Monroe Carter, Marley Rae Smith, Presley Ellen Carter, and Rory Lee Smith, and Brother Marshall Ouida Wentworth. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The visitation and services will be held at Bayview Memorial Park located at 3351 Scenic Highway. Service date and time will be June 22, 2021 with visitation from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and service to begin at 3:00 pm. Burial will be at Bayview Memorial Park immediately following the service.

Sympathies may be expressed with flowers or with a donation to Bellview United Methodist Church where Shirley and Linda have been members for 41 years.

The services can be live streamed via the Bayview Facebook page or through the link on the obituary for family and friends that are not able to attend.