Ethel Worthington
April 21, 1929 - November 17, 2003

"Dean and Family, We are most sorry for your lose. Ethel was a very large part of our lives for many years. We feel bad we lost touch with both of you after we moved to MN. You are in our prayers and please know how much we love you and miss you. Craig and Barb"

"We have kept in touch with Dean and Ethel over the past few years, though weâ??ve never met them personally. Iâ??m sorry for that fact, but I do consider it an honor to know them. Over the years, they have undoubtedly influenced hundreds, perhaps even thousands, to walk closer with God and that has led many into full-time missions work."

"Ethel was the perfect example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was always good for a laugh and words of encouragement. She was a great trainer in GNC and led one of our children to the Lord who is now on the mission field as a pilot. Worthington family you know we are always a part of your family. Because He lives!!"

"Dear Brother Worthington, We are so sorry to learn of your loss.May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you with a sense of His presence. Psalm 73:25-26; and Hebrews 13:5 come to mind and we trust they will be a comfort to you. John and I correspond with your daughter Mary, and her husband Gene."

"What a blessing to know she is in the presence of the Lord. May the Lord comfort you with His promise that we will be together with Him for all eternity where we will not know illness or death."

"Family of Ethel, I was a teen missionary last summer with CYIA. I remember Dean and Ethel coming down for the the send-off on the last day. I could tell that Ethel was a gift. And I know the pain of no longer having that gift. I know this because my brother died this summer, only 19 years old, and a schoolmate of mine, only 16, died last night. It's mysterious why God brings His children home when he does. But I believe that God had seen Ethel accomplish the task he had given her to do and was ready to welcome her home. It is always hard to see someone you love dearly go. But you will meet with Ethel again on the other side of death, in heaven, where all sin is wiped away. Imagine how much stronger your relationships with Ethel can be when all the blemish of sin is wiped away. You can now look forward to the day were there will be so much joy upon your reunion. A joy that will surpass all grief you are temporarily experiencing. God bless."

"Dean, Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." As your family continues to come together to celebrate the homecoming of our much loved Ethel please know that although I cannot be there in person my prayer is that the void left in your heart will be filled to overflowing with the presence and comfort of our Heavenly Father, Precious Jesus and His Holy Spirit of comfort. Isaiah 50:7 "Because God helps me I will not be dismayed but have set my face like a flint to do His will and I know that I will truimph." You and Ethel have always been to me Encouragement and your lives a Sanctuary for Him."

"Dean and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Bill has been so faithful in prayer every morning as we share a private time together. We are now going through the book "The Purpose Driven Life" together and then we pray for family and friends. The thoughts in our minds are one of hope as we rejoice that Martha and Ethel have seen Jesus and witnessed all the adoration and praise surrounding the throne of God crying out continually of praise and worthiness to the King of Kings. Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the eyes of the Lord, are the death of His saints." I also think of Ethel when I Samuel 12:24 says "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you". You both have served Him faithfully and Bill is certainly thankful the day that you took him into a Sunday School room Dean and led him to the Lord. He has remained faithful to the Lord and we have been truly blessed. Come and visit us at Walnut Park anytime, we would be honored to have you sit with us. We are going to make a memorial in Ethels name of $50.00 to the Children's Puppet Ministry which has impacted many lives in nursing homes and schools. Monte and Gail Ryan, Ralph and Gene Neff's daughter and son-in-law are in charge of it at church. Again, even though we are saddened we rejoice of the hope that is in us. It makes our homegoing just that much sweeter. Love, Bill and Marian Payne"

"Dean and Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly sorry to hear of this loss. Ethel was like a second mother to me for many many years, as I spent many hours in the Worthington home. I have many many fond memories of the Worthington family and of Ethel. I share and grieve in your loss with you. May we rejoice that she is now in her eternal home, free from pain and sickness and singing with the angels. With my love, Angie"

"To Mary Long and the Family of Ethel Worthington: Dear Mary, We just received word about your loss and grief through an email from Gene. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this time of grief and loss, as we know He willâ?¦ Knowing that we have been given a Living Hope, an Inheritance Incorruptible and Undefiled that will Never fade away, reserved in heaven for all who are His, to be gloriously revealed on That Day unto all those who love His appearing... That in the [endless] ages to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." Love In Christ from Your Friends, Ron and Cheryl Myers (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57-58, Ephesians 2:7, Revelation 22:20) "

"Mr. Worthington, Mary Long, Gene Purcell and the rest of the family. Rhoda and I want you to know that our prayers are with you today and in the days to come. May you know God's peace and comfort as you look forward to being reunited with family in Christ in time to come. Arlen and Rhoda Johnson New Tribes Mission"

"Dear Dean & Family, May the God of all comfort be your peace and strength during the homegoing of Ethel. What a precious woman of God! I know that the Lord used Ethel & Dean to make an impact in my life as a child. I was always excited when they came for children's church at First Baptist in Muscatine. I remember the Chapel on Wheels and Mr. Stretch! But most of all, I remember the love you both had for Jesus. That made a mark on my life. Thank you for giving to the Lord, Ethel! We'll see you in Glory again someday! My prayers are with you all durng this time. In Christian Love, Chris Lary "

"Mr. Worthinton, Mary Long, Gene Purcell, Mike Johnson Family; We here at New Tribes Mission want you to know that our thoughts are with you today. We pray you will know the comfort and peace of our LORD Jesus Christ as you go through this time of honouring Him through the life of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. We rejoice with you that Mrs. Worthington is pain free and sorrow with you in the separation that you are experiencing until we are all united around the throne of our blessed God and Saviour. NEW TRIBES MISSION"

"Grandpa Dean and Family, The memory that is the fondest one that I can remember is when you and Grandma Ethel retired. I was scared pray out loud but then when I thought of all you had done I wanted God to bless you greatly. And as far as I can see He has. You and Grandma Ethel were like grandparents and will always continue. I love you Grandpa Dean!! Be strong and courages God is with you. "He will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. Will keep you in my prayers as you get through this time. love ya, Your Sister In Christ JoAnna aka Jo "

"Dear Grandpa Dean, I pray that God will keep you strong. You and Grandma Ethel were a great encouragement to me my first year of camp. I don't know if I could of made it without your jokes and Ethel's kind words of strength. Now I hope that I can give you some words of hope. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world." Maressa"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this period of sadness and loss."

"Dear Dean and Family, I just wanted to let you know you have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past year and will continue to be. You have meant so much to us all. In Christ. Kristina"

"We share in your sorrow as you've said, "so long" and in your joy as you've said, "see you there!" "We sorrow not as those that have no hope!""

"God be praised."

"My deepest condolences on the passing of Aunt Ethel. She was such a loving, gentle lady. May she rest in Eternal Peace. Her niece Jeanie"

"You Worthington people are definitely in the "precious memories" section of my brain! When I think of your family, I think two things: love and fun!!!! Thanks for letting me be a part of your wonderful family many years ago during NTBI days. My love and prayers are with you all in these two recent losses. I understand more fully now that "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." With love and prayers, Ellen :-)"

"Wish we could be there to give you all hugs but we know that HE will comfort you in this time of mourning. Matt 5:4 You will all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. With Love,Mike and Lois"

"Dear Dean & Family, It was our privilege to know Ethel these many years. We will always hold precious our times together...especially being cabin "buddies" at EIBC. We love you all dearly & will continue to pray for you in the months ahead. Gary,Rochelle, & Josiah Street"

"Dean - Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the sad parting of your loved one. We remember all the good times of many years ago when we hosted a Good News club in our home for the children of Providence Baptist Church and community. May God Bless and Keep you in His loving arms. Leland & Nellie Ziegenhorn"

"Psalms 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." And, "Absent from the body .... present with the Lord." II Cor. 5:8"

"dean, they ask for fondest memories but i think each one is fond & special....there are always the good news club days in the black truck packed like sardines. i remember ethel would sew all the girls look alike dresses for singing at church, i think i remember red plaid ones. then thru the years you guys always had patience with us having so many kids at your house on mulberry playing games at the kitchen table and taking us to all those quiz meets. "go double dippers" soon dean & ethel packed up the trailor and took us to ntm. later in the years we always looked forward to ethels tea rings. like i said the memories go on & on & will truly miss her. we will even have more time to praise & rejoice when we all reach our final home. love roger & sandy"

"Fond Memories are what we have of Ethel Worthington. There is no greater joy than to hear that her children walk in truth. Dean and Ethel have the legacy of being the finest example of godly parents. We are so blessed to have known Ethel and the Worthingtons, especially our precious Martha, who was so proud of her mom and dad. Ethel and Martha are rejoicing before the Throne of Grace, enjoying their great reward in HIS PRESENCE. Our love, tears, and much prayer for you all. Gary and Liz Johnson"

"I will never forget you (both) and cherish the memories of the time we were at the CEF area conference near Hollister, MO. May God continue to richly bless you until we meet again. Love, Marcia"

"Dear Dean and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. My God give you comfort and peace as you bear the loss of being without your dear one for the remainder of your time this side of glory. Praise God that we can know we will see her again in glory."

"What a loss for us all; what a gain for heaven! Praying for you all -"

"Dean & Family,Ethel will be greatly missed.Her love for children will always be remembered in our hearts and most importantly theirs. Dean, you hold strong , as soon we shall all reign with our Father in Heaven. In Christ, Mike & Jody Andrews Pleasantveiw Baptist o/ "

"What a wonderful legacy Ethel gave to her family and many friends. To God be the glory. Jim and Janet Hall"

"Dean, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the lost of your life mate. I paise the Lord for the time you and Ethel shared with me, teaching me to share the Gospel with children. You have always been an inspiration to me and considered my dear friends in Christ. I praise God knowing Ehtel is at rest with him. Sheryl Brown "

"I was so sorry to read of your mother in the paper this morning. I have so many memories of playing with Nancy at your mom and dad's house on 6th Street. Your mom was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have known. Your family is in our prayers. Diana (Martin) & Rodger Broderson"

"IF I COULD, I WOULD HUG MY UNCLE DEAN AND MY COUSINS RIGHT NOW. MY AUNT WAS A GIVER IN HER HEART AS WELL AS HER SOUL. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO VISIT IOWA , MY AUNT WOULD MAKE SURE TO MAKE A CHOCOLATE PIE FOR ME, IT WAS THE BEST! PRAYERS AND LOVE , TONY"

"Dear Ones, Tom and I express our heartfelt sympathy to you during this time of Ethyl's homegoing. Thank you for keeping us informed during Ethyl's illness - it helped us stay connected with you and allowed us to uphold you in prayer. You are all so special to us. God bless you and keep you in the days ahead. Tom and Denise Flickinger"

""Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will stregthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaih 41:10 I remember always wanting to go to your house on Sunday afternoons between church because of the love and fellowship so sweet in that house. The thing I remember the most is the quiet unconditional love that Mrs Worthington showed everyone and taught us to give."

"It was an honor to have Ethel as my mother-in-law for these past 29 years. I will miss her until we meet again at Jesus' feet. I am not there to be with Dean and his girls at this time, but I send my love and support to each of you. I am so happy that Mary could be there for a while to see and comfort Ethel during the final stages of her journey through this life. Now, Ethel is whole, she is free from cancer, sorrow and fear. I wonder if she has had time to look up my own mother? A specail thanks from the Long family here in Thailand to all of you who taken the time to share your condolences and encouragement with Dean and his family. Gene and Mary Long (Mary is the third daughter of Dean and Ethel)"

"Dean and family, May God give you strength to bear your loss. I'm sorry we couldn't be there for you. What a great woman!! I'll always remember the time you both came to our home in Kalona to spend time with Paige and her friends on her birthday. Paige will always remember EIBC. What a wonderful legacy has been left in the hearts of "Grandchildren" everywhere. Ethel will be greatly missed, but it's a comfort to know that we will see her again. With all our love, Matt, Tammy, Paige & Gage Allison"

"Your family is in my prayers. I remember your mom's gentle and loving nature. She is truly an angel!"

"Dean and family May you all experience the love and comfort from our Heavenly Father. I have sure appreciated the times I've been with you and Ethel at Friends Pastors gatherings."

"Dear Dean and family, My heart goes out to you in the earthly loss of your dear sweet Ethel. She is at peace, pain free rejoicing with the family and friends who preceeded her homecoming with our Lord. Until we are all reunited in Heaven, keep this verse close: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." â??Psalm 28:7"

"Our deepest sympathies are with you and the family a this time. May God's grace sustain you as you rest in Him."

"Dear Dean and family members, We have followed the last chapters of Ethel's journey home at a distance via your emails. Our prayers go out to you, but we rejoice that Ethel is safely Home - - thanks to Jesus and what He did for her. So we will rejoice and cry with you, but from afar. Walt & Jeanie Barbier"

"as a fairly new good news club teacher[1999] ETHEL WAS A LOVELY EXAMPLE OF KIND, GENTLE, FAITHFULNESS. SHE WILL BE SORELY MISSED HERE ON EARTH, BUT GREAT IS THE REJOICING THAT SHE IS FREE OF SUFFERING AND WITH HER WONDERFUL LORD. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HER IN HEAVEN WHEN GOD TAKES EACH OF US ALSO.MAY HER HUSBAND AND DAUGHTERS FIND GREAT STRENGTH AND COMFORT IN EACH OTHER AND IN GOD'S DEEP,DEEP LOVE.IN QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE WILL BE OUR STRENGTH."