Franklin Christy Ainsworth died on June 9, 2009, in Greeley, CO. of natural causes at the age of 83. He was born in Wilmington, DE on October 6, 1925 to Franklin Christy Ainsworth and May Shevlin Ainsworth. Frank attended school, in Wilmington, De. At the age of18, he was given the choice to graduate as usual, or be given his high school diploma early to join the Merchant Marines to help in the war effort. He, as others did, chose the adventure on the high seas of the Pacific. He enjoyed his time in the service despite the hardships of war. After his service, he came back to Wilmington for a couple of years and worked at Dupont . Frank attended Utah State University in Logan, UT. He received a BA in Geology in 1952. He was a member of the social fraternity, SAE.
Frank married Ruth Houck, December 26, 1949. After graduation they traveled around the west while he drilled for oil. From Utah, to Colorado, to South Dakota, to Kansas, and to Wyoming where they finally settled in Sheridan in 1953. Mr. Ainsworth worked in the oil fields on the Montana and Wyoming border for over 20 years and retired from Mobile Oil Co. in 1976.
Frank and Ruth were divorced in 1971, and he moved to Buffalo WY shortly thereafter, where he met and married his second wife, Shirley, on November 1, 1973. Mr. Ainsworth later movedto Greeley, CO to be near his children. He lived in various assisted living and nursing homes until his death, under the ever-faithful, loving eyes of his daughter, Janet Crego.
Frank loved to travel and entertain friends. He died a Christian and knew he would see loved ones in heaven. He will be forever missed by all who loved him.
Frank is survived by five children, four daughters, Susan (the late Bill) Allen, Gainsville, FL, Janet (Dan) Crego, Greeley, CO, Christy (Peter) Watertown, SD, Laurie (Chuck) Warich, Milford, MA, and one son Jeffrey Ainsworth Hudson, CO. Frank is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters.
A memorial service to celebrate Frank's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Life Care Center, 4800 25th Street in Greeley.