BLOOMINGTON
Shirley Louise Wentworth Shipley, 56, of Bloomington passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at IU Bloomington Hospital Hospice House with her loving family at her side.
Born March 31, 1960, in Seymour, she was the daughter of William Breckenridge Wentworth, who preceded her in death, and Phyllis Wentworth McNeal-Handley, who survives.
Shirley came from a large family and enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. Her genuine love for family was instilled early on as she and her siblings enjoyed many fun and bonding experiences together.
Some of her fondest childhood memories were of roller skating with her family and watching her father cruise with precision on his roller skates, completing jigsaw puzzles with her mom, reading true romance novels with her sister, bowling, playing games and writing poetry.
She would later add Karaoke and bingo to the top of her most favorite activities list. She was a servant of God and strived to live a life guided by his word. Shirley’s love and admiration for her family was seeded early on and would become the foundation of who she became as an adult and the selfless way she would ultimately choose to live her life. Her desire to keep a close, well-bonded family, was always her first and most important life priority.
After high school and after the birth of her first child, Steven, Shirley went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a telecommunications ops specialist where she received the Air Force Training Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and Longevity Service Ribbon. It was during her service that she gave birth to her second child, a daughter, Tiffany Ann.
After her service was completed, Shirley went on to have three more children, Nelson Jr., Timothy and Donnie. Shirley gave herself completely to her children and loved them all to no end. She took great pride in them, their accomplishments, the people they grew to be as well as the children they brought into this world. She instilled in them the love of family and that above all else, family should always be number one. Shirley didn’t just teach this, she showed and led by this example.
Shirley’s love for those around her was not just limited to her family. She gave of herself to all who needed it. Whether it was advice, support, clothing, a place to sleep or a next meal, she would do what she could to make sure that those around her had what they needed and would never go without.
Even if she did not have the means to provide completely for someone else or a family, she would take what was hers and share it with whoever was in need. Shirley was selfless and her only fault was her belief that there were others in this world like her. She never fully appreciated how truly unique she was. It is because of her unique qualities, loving generosity and kind heart that she will live inside of our hearts forever.
Other survivors include her children, Steven (Cheryl) Batalon, Tiffany (Harold Hargrave) Batalon, Nelson (Amber) Batalon Jr., Timothy Batalon and Donald Shipley II; grandchildren, Ricky, Ireland, Jeremiah, Allison, Isabel, Mary, Christian, Emma Mae and Jr. Jr.; siblings Daniel Wentworth, Debbie (Chester “Sonny”) Spurgeon, Kathy (Robert) Luthe, Angie Slay and Kenny (Roberta) Wentworth; and many nieces, nephews, step-siblings, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the conclusion of the memorial service at 5 p.m. Saturday.
John 14:27 — Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. But I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
For those unable to attend, condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.