Shirley P. Wentzel

Shirley P. Wentzel of Bern Township passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 12:45 pm at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. She was in the company of her children during her passing.

Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend, Shirley has ended an eleven-year struggle with liver disease, cancer and other health-related issues. Shirley was a kindhearted person who worked hard to always be helpful, cheerful, and generous to others.

Shirley was born on March 26, 1934 in Reading, Pa. She was predeceased in death by her parents Stanley Armstrong Prey and Grace Roland Prey.

Shirley graduated from Reading High School in 1952. She earned her bachelor's degree from Mansfield State College and earned her teaching accreditation at Kutztown State College. Shirley was a lifetime member of the Home Economics National Honor Society.

Shirley grew-up in the church. She was a long-time member of the former Park United Methodist Church, Reading. She then became a member of the former Bethany E.C, Reading. Her last church affiliation was as a member of West Wyomissing Chapel, West Wyomissing where she was an active member of 'The Golden Gems'.

Surviving Shirley are three children: Scott P. Wentzel, husband of Sharon K. (Herbst) Wentzel, Spring Township; Steven N. Wentzel, friend of Mary Jo Snyder, both of Flying Hills; and Greta M. Weist, wife of Jay A. Weist, Shillington. Shirley was predeceased by her daughter Gwen Wentzel Kunkel, who died on July 4, 1993.

Shirley was a proud, loving, and devoted grandmother to five grandchildren; Joshua T. Wentzel, Spring Township; Kathryn N. Wentzel, Astoria, NY; Lucas A. Wentzel, Laureldale; Megan E. Wentzel, Coplay, PA; and Hannah G. Weist, Shillington.

Also surviving is a sister, Sylvia (Prey) Smith, Mechanicsburg, PA. She was predeceased by her brother, Dean R. Prey, Fleetwood, husband of Mollie (Fox) Prey.

Shirley was an Aunt to Dr. Jane D. Smith, Charlotte, NC; Drs. Kirk and Becky Smith, Amesbury, MA, Derek and Jill Smith, New Cumberland, PA; Rev. Julie Prey-Harbaugh, Philadelphia, and Audie and Kathleen Prey, Mertztown.

Shirley was a Great Aunt to Sylvan and Carson Prey-Harbaugh, and Amanda, Madison, and Lila Smith. Shirley worked for many years as a Special Education teacher. She was a longtime employee of the BCIU – the Berks County Intermediate Unit. Shirley last taught for the Reading School District at the former Reading Special Education Center.

Shirley had many friends and was a great friend to all the different creatures who enjoyed her big back yard, from squirrels to deer. She was truly a bird lover, with many bird feeders to watch and enjoy. Shirley loved the Phillies, all of the Penn State teams, and followed the local sports, college basketball, and the NFL. Shirley loved to knit and did a lot of knitting for charity organizations. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will be greatly missed.

Services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. The family will receive friends Friday 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 to 10:30 in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Shirley supported many charities over her lifetime. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to 'The Gwen Wentzel Kunkel Memorial Scholarship Fund', c/o Steven N. Wentzel, 39 Winged Foot Drive, Reading, PA 19607. Additionally you may honor Shirley by making a donation to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.