Ruby Charlene Duncan

Ruby Charlene Duncan (Wortham) age 83, passed away peacefully July 24, 2024, at her son Danny and daughter in law Mary Jo's home in Missoula, Montana from dementia related illness.

Charlene was born on December 13, 1940 in Kinta Oklahoma to parents Ben and Lula Mae Wortham. She was one of six girls and two boys.

The family lived in Oklahoma until the late 1940's before moving to Chowchilla, California. The family worked as farm laborers picking cotton and other crops until Charlene's father was able to start his own hay baling business. Charlene and her siblings would wake before dawn to bail hay before going to school. After graduating from Chowchilla High School, Charlene worked for a farm chemical business as a secretary. During this time, her brother-in-law Bill Womack, aka "Dubby" was in the Army stationed at Fort Ord, California. Dubby introduced his buddy, Jim Duncan to Charlene during a blind date. If the date wasn't going well the phrase, "It never rains in Southern California" was to be said. The phrase was never said and this resulted in Jim and Charlene's marriage on September 12,1963. They were married for 53 years. Ironically, they married the same day and year their daughter in law Mary Jo was born. 

After fulfilling his two year Army draft commitment, they returned to Jim's hometown of San Diego, California. Upon arrival in San Diego, Jim learned his previous job at Convair had been eliminated. With the help of his family, Jim and Charlene owned and operated Johnny's Lucky Lunch Restaurant for 30 years until Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1995. During this time they raised two children, Jimmy and Danny. 

In 1968, Jim and Charlene applied to purchase their first home but were denied due to mistakes made by their accountant. Without formal training in accounting Charlene corrected the mistakes resulting in the purchase of the house they owned until 2018. 

While raising her children, Charlene was very active in their daily lives, score keeping for little league, volunteering in their school library and assisting with church functions. After selling the restaurant, Charlene was dedicated to caring for Jim while he suffered with Parkinson's disease. This care ended in July 2017 with his passing.

Charlene lived in San Diego until her oldest son Jimmy passed away in February 2018. Charlene moved to Missoula Montana to live with Danny and Mary Jo. Charlene enjoyed living in Missoula experiencing the four different seasons, even the snow! Charlene loved holidays, parties and crafting with her new friends and neighbors.

Charlene never complained about life's troubles, but instead pulled herself up by her bootstraps and moved forward. 

Charlene is survived by her son, Danny and daughter in law Mary Jo of Missoula Montana. Brother Frank Wortham and wife Paulette of Reedley California. Sister Colleen Womack of Reedley, California and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlene will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Graveside services to be held August 15th, 1:30 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122-5337.