Shelley Chilton Worthington

In Loving Memory of Shelley Nan Chilton-Worthington

Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Visionary Caregiver, and Faithful Servant

Shelley Nan Chilton-Worthington, a cherished mother, grandmother, compassionate caregiver, and a beacon of faith, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on November 2, 1957, in Sacramento, California, Shelley’s life was defined by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those around her.

Shelley’s early years were filled with the joyful chaos of her family’s drive-in restaurant, Marv’s Drive In, in the small town of Florin. As the youngest of four children, she fondly remembers the warmth of her father’s homemade ice cream cones and the bustling energy of the restaurant where her family worked side by side. Shelley's childhood was enriched by the scent of burgers, tacos, and the sound of laughter, as her family built not only a business but a tight-knit community.

Shelley’s faith and service to others were central to her life. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held numerous leadership roles, including Young Women’s President, pianist, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and Girls Camp counselor. These roles were not just positions to her; they were opportunities to serve, teach, and nurture the spiritual growth of others, enriching her life with joy and purpose.

Shelley’s professional journey was marked by passion, determination, and success. She worked for the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office while attending college and later transitioned into a career in sales, where she achieved great success, eventually becoming the number one sales representative for MCI. Although her career took an unexpected turn after a car accident, Shelley’s indomitable spirit led her to find new avenues to serve others.

In 1986, Shelley experienced the devastating loss of her mother to breast cancer. This profound loss, coupled with her love and devotion to others, ignited a deep passion for hospice and end-of-life care. Shelley co-founded several organizations dedicated to providing compassionate care, including Tender Loving Care Home Hospice, Access TLC Foundation, Access TLC Caregivers, Access TLC Healthcare, and Moorpark Health Care Center- organizations built on compassion, dignity, and the belief that every life deserves to end in love. She was a tireless advocate for the elderly and terminally ill, serving on multiple boards and committees while maintaining her nursing credentials and certifications in real estate and insurance. She was a fierce advocate for the underserved, and her dedication led to the successful acquisition and implementation of several critical State programs, including the Home and Community-Based Waiver Program (HCBA), the Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW), the California Community Transitions Program (CCT), and the Enhanced Case Management Program (ECM). These programs were more than just contracts to Shelley—they were lifelines for the people she cared so deeply about. Her professional accomplishments are only surpassed by the impact she made on the lives of those she cared for.

Shelley’s greatest joy was motherhood. She welcomed her first child, Chad, in 1983, followed by her daughter, Krystal, in 1989, her son Wyatt in 1997, and her youngest, Austin, in 2000. Her children and grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she embraced them with a heart full of love, devotion, humor, and strength. She poured herself into nurturing her children, guiding them with wisdom, faith, and a fierce desire to see them thrive.

Shelley’s legacy will live on through the many lives she touched. Her story is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a commitment to service. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her memory through acts of kindness, service, and faith. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of tenderness, strength, and love.

Shelley’s spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, compassion, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A beloved quote that Shelley lived by was, “Always do what is right. You may not come out on top, but you can have a clear conscience.” Her integrity, love for others, and dedication to doing what was right will remain a guiding light for all who carry her memory forward.