Shirley Ellen (Bahr) Duckworth's Obituary
Racine - Shirley Ellen (Bahr) Duckworth is at peace as of November 11, 2025.
She was born at home in Racine, Wisconsin to Leota (Clutter) and Arthur Bahr on April 3, 1932. A 1950 graduate of Park HS, she was united in marriage to Raymond Booth Duckworth, “the best thing that ever happened to me,” on July 4,1953 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church. They were married for 70 years.
Shirley was always proud of her time working at Wheary’s and Becker’s Bakery early in life. Her main job was as Mom to Conrad, Kathy, Ellen, and Greg. She was a Girl Scout leader, seamstress of clothing for both the girls and their dolls, maker of stuffed animals for her grandchildren, and creator of special birthday cakes. She enjoyed camping with Ray, their four kids and a dog, eventually taking the grandchildren camping too. Often it was just Shirley and Ray with the family dog.
She is survived by her children, Conrad of Racine, WI, Katherine (Dallas) Heikkinen of Batavia, IL, Ellen (Thomas) Everding of Darien, IL, and Gregory. In addition to her children, she leaves behind seven grandchildren: Damon (Cale Larson) Heikkinen, Kimberly (Jess) Grey, Tanner, Jacob, Ella, Caden, and Lacy Duckworth; sister-in-law Mary Lana Duckworth, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Ray, an infant son, brothers Arthur Bahr and Glenn Bahr, and sisters Jane Erdman and Nancy Gall.
A special thank you to Sherry, Jenny and Haley from Compassus Hospice, and especially to Conrad for caring for both parents as they aged.
There will be no visitation; a private service will be held. Her final resting place will be at West Lawn Memorial Park. Donations and memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/).
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