Ann Elizabeth Worthy passed away on April 28, 2026 at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 5 days.
Ann was born on May 23, 1935 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Vernon Herman Retherford and Della Lorena (Barton) Retherford. She was raised in the Cushing area and graduated from Cushing High School in the class of 1953. On April 23, 1954 she married Rodgers D. Worthy and together raised five children, Dwayne, Deborah, Missy, Jennifer and Jill.
The family moved from Oklahoma to southwest Colorado in 1962 when Rodger accepted a teaching position in Pleasant View. As the children grew, Ann held receptionist positions in a variety of offices. The couple moved to Newcomb, NM in 1989, where Rodger accepted a teaching position. At age 56, Ann obtained a bachelors degree from University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. She was employed as an elementary school teacher in Newcomb. She earned a masters degree from Western New Mexico University in Silver City and transitioned to a school counselor, retiring in 2005. The couple moved to Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Ann’s greatest passion was her love for her family. Her children have dear memories of Ann’s long hours in her kitchen preparing wonderful meals and baking delightful creations. Ann strived throughout her life to make her home a place of warmth.
She was blessed to have experienced many notable lands and cultures including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Among her favorite recollections, were Turkey, China, Egypt, and Peru.
Ann was a woman of faith and love. She was compassionate and touched many lives. Memories of her loving service will carry her family and friends forward as we reflect on Ann’s full and blessed life.
Ann was preceded in death by her father, Vernon, and her mother, Della, and her brother Norman Retherford. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Rodgers D. Worthy, their five children, Dwayne Worthy, Deborah Worthy, Missy Worthy, Jennifer Wall and Jill Worthy, her sister Janice Sue Fowler, brothers Richard, Billy David and Robert Retherford, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services are pending.
