Janet K. Wentley, 89

March 21, 2018

Janet Kilcrease Wentley, 89, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday March 21st in Millersville. Janet was born on January 28th, 1929 in Richmond, VA to Thomas and Mary Lyle Kilcrease. Jan spent her youth in New York City. She fondly recalled her time as a shoe model, and her adventurous escapades, including sneaking off to jazz clubs in Harlem, which led to her lifelong love of jazz. Although Jan was an only child, her cousins became like sisters to her, as she spent summers with them in Georgia.
While attending Southern Seminary in Virginia, Jan met Howard Wentley, a World War II vet attending Washington & Lee University. He became her lifelong partner and husband of 60 years. They were married November 4, 1950 at New York City’s The Little Church Around the Corner. They settled in Pittsburgh, where three of their children were born. Because of Howard’s work, the family relocated to Millersville in 1959. Another work transfer later took them to Chicago for a few years. The family returned to Millersville, where they remained until retirement.
Jan was a talented knitter whose sweaters could be found at Henri Bendel stores. She also was an avid gardener, who enjoyed creating a new garden wherever she lived. She was a lover of all creatures great and small, but especially cats. When she and Howard retired to Bradenton, Florida Jan discovered a love for manatees and brown pelicans. She also learned to keep an eye out for the alligators who watched her during her morning walks.
After a brief time in Winterville, North Carolina, Jan came back to Millersville after the loss of her husband. Returning to Millersville gave her the opportunity to reconnect with dear old friends and family. Jan was predeceased by her husband Howard, who passed away in 2010, and her oldest daughter, Linda Wentley in 2013, and is survived by four children: Howard (Anita) Wentley of Orlando, FL, Cynthia Sides of Landisville, Thomas (Amy) Wentley of Raleigh, NC and James Wentley of St. Augustine FL. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Laura Wenger, Dana Sides, Emily Scott, Blake Wentley, Erin Wentley and two great-grandchildren: Emma Bury and Leona Scott, and her beloved kitty, Chai. She will be greatly missed by all. A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial donations may be made in Janet’s name to Furever Home Adoption Center, 5984 Main St. East Petersburg, PA 17520 or Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602.