05/26/2026
Special General Orders # 11
Headquarters, Murphysboro, IL
Attention:
I. It is with extreme sadness and great personal grief that I announce the passing of my dear friend and great mentor, Past National President Lurene I. Wentworth, on May 24, 2026.
II. Lurene I. Wentworth was born July 20, 1934 to Lewis Ambrose and Irene (Nutter) Wentworth July 20, 1934 in New Durham, New Hampshire. Lurene’s life was guided by her beloved mother, who first introduced her to her heritage and therefore, an abiding devotion to patriotism. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of Veterans of the Civil War – 1861-1865, the Ladies of the G A R, the Auxiliary to the American Legion, and to the Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC). Lurene held offices in many organizations. She held the office of both Secretary and Treasurer of the WRC for thirty years, but she was most known for her national presidency of the WRC.
III. Lurene became the first woman to be elected to the office of National President of the WRC for more than one year, elected in 1982 and 1983. Her entire first year was spent traveling to every Corps and Department throughout the United States. She sometimes took her mother along with her during these trips.
IV. During her second year of Presidency, Lurene arranged to meet with President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office. On the day she was scheduled to meet him, Reagan’s schedule was interrupted by the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Lurene finally did meet with Reagan in his office on February 22, 1985, and presented him with the “General John A. Logan Medal.”
V. Lurene was especially proud of her part in seeing the formalized organization of Logan’s Brigade, Men’s Associate to the Woman’s Relief Corps. During her terms as WRC National President, Lurene worked with Past National President Josephine George to recognize the men who faithfully assisted the WRC every year. In 2019 and 2020 she worked tirelessly to develop the Bylaws and Constitution and helped fund the legal advisement to formally create Logan’s Brigade. Under her guidance that organization developed into a men’s organization associated closely with the WRC and is now thriving.
VI. During Lurene’s WRC National Presidency, she asked the members (referencing our nation’s symbolic bird the Bald Eagle) that “under the keen eye of the eagle, let us soar to new heights.” She asked for every WRC member to work toward building the membership and encouraging one another in the great and enduring work of patriotism. She wanted us to be enthusiastic, devoted, and patriotic, and to inspire others to do the same.
V. The Woman’s Relief Corps has lost a mighty warrior and great supporter.
May Lurene I. Wentworth, Past National President, Woman’s Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, rest in peace.
VI. All Corps and Departments are ordered to drape their Charters.
By Command
Kathy Bower
National President
Woman's Relief Corps
Perri Parker
National Secretary/Treasurer
