Ethelene Wharton Worton

Ethelene Wharton Worton passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 10, 2026, in South Ogden, Utah. Born on June 29, 1931, in Oark, Arkansas, to Clara Ethel Bogan Wharton and Verdi Estes Wharton, she graduated from Malad High School in 1950 before moving to Ogden, Utah. There she worked at the snack bar in the Ogden Union Station, where she met the love of her life, Wayne G. Worton. They married on July 28, 1956, in Elko, Nevada, and were later sealed together with their family for time and eternity in the Logan Temple on June 2, 1964. The couple had four sons, who were the center of her world. Ethelene made sure every member of her family knew how deeply they were loved.

She was a gifted cook whose pork chops and daily dinners were legendary among her children’s friends. Ethelene enjoyed collecting cookbooks, frequenting yard sales and swap meets, camping, accompanying hunting trips, and watching Unlimited Hydroplane boat races in the 1970s and early 1980s, especially cheering for the Atlas Van Lines. She found joy in reading true detective stories and mystery novels, writing poetry, crocheting, and watching hummingbirds. Christmas was her favorite holiday; she lovingly prepared seasonal fruitcakes, decorated the tree with meticulous care, and wrapped gifts with particular attention to paper and bows.

After losing her husband Wayne on Thanksgiving Eve in 1989, Ethelene drew strength from her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as a Primary teacher, visiting teacher and ministering sister, visiting teacher supervisor, and temple worker well into her later years, continuing to attend the temple even at age 94. She also endured the loss of her son Danny on March 21, 2016. Born with Down Syndrome, Danny was a precious blessing to the family, teaching them above all the pure meaning of love.

Ethelene is survived by her sons Brian W. (Carole) Worton, Lamont (Darlie) Worton, and Jeffrey Wayne (Kristin) Worton; grandchildren Chris (Melissa) Worton, Heather (Tim) Vaughn, Wayne (Mandie) Worton, Zachary (Shelby) Worton, Hannah (Casey) Worton, Noah Worton, and Navie Worton; 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sister Wanda King; and brothers Dale (Trena) Wharton and Darrell (Shelly) Wharton. She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Worton, son Daniel Lyle Worton, both parents, sister Helen Moser, brother Doyle Wharton, sister Erma Ashcroft, sister Aleta Thompson, and sister Lucielle Westerburg. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.