Leatha Worthington

Leatha Louise Worthington, 86, of Lecompton, passed away on March 21, 2009 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born in 1922, daughter of Anna Nichols Walter and August Walter of Lawrence, Kansas. Leatha was married to C.A. "Art" Worthington on August 2, 1946 in Stull, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 7, 1997. She is survived by three daughter and one son; Jeanne Worthington, Topeka, KS; Joanne (Dr. Eric) Gofreed, Ft. Washington, MD; Shirley Worthington, Stillwater, MN; and Galen Worthington, Augusta, KS. Leatha is also survived by seven grandchildren: Philip (Crystal) Gofreed, Erin Pipes, Sharon Gofreed, Jake Jones, Michelle, Mike and Sam Desch and one great-grandson, Jared Pipes.

Leatha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. One of her favorite sayings was "There are two things you give your children; one is roots, the other is wings." She worked with the Kansas Heart Association for 20 years. Leatha was a leader in youth activities with the local 4-H club and her church, first at Stull United Methodist Church and then Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church. She was also very active in the United Methodist Women's group, particularly in support of missions.

There will be a private family burial at Stull Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 24, at 1:00 p.m. Mrs. Worthington will lie in state after noon on Monday, March 23 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where, the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, KS 66606 or Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 SE 44th St, Tecumseh, KS 66542. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.