Ralph Eugene Wortham

Obituary

Ralph Eugene Wortham

April 24, 1933 – June 1, 2024

Ralph Eugene Wortham, 91, passed away on June 1, 2024, at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Born on April 24, 1933, in Worland, Wyoming, to Albert and Goldie (McGarvin) Wortham. Growing up on his parents' dairy farm south of town, he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and a deep-seated love for Worland, Wyoming.

While attending Worland Senior High School, Ralph met Maxine Gilmore, the love of his life. Both Ralph and Maxine graduated with the class of 1951. One year later, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army. Before leaving for basic training at Camp Roberts, Ralph and Maxine married on November 16, 1952. This was the beginning of a 64-year marriage where they never stopped dancing in the kitchen.

After serving in Korea, Ralph was honorably discharged and was able to return home to Wyoming. In 1957 Ralph established Ralph Wortham Construction, a venture that would become synonymous with his dedication to his craft and his community. Specializing in dirt construction and excavating, his work was not merely a profession but a passion. He loved giving to the community in whatever ways he could, whether it was loaning out his construction shop for Homecoming float building by high schoolers or supporting local 4H livestock purchases. Ralph's roots ran deep in the very dirt he dug in throughout his life.

When Ralph wasn't hard at work, he could be found spending time with his beautiful wife and his two precious daughters, Debbie and Tammie. Later, his weekends were often spent cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events. Ralph enjoyed collecting various cars and trucks, including a 1918 Yellowstone bus.

Amidst his many pursuits, Ralph's love for Maxine remained the cornerstone of his existence. She was not just his wife, but his confidante, his partner, his everything. Family occupied the central place in Ralph's heart, and he lived by the principles of honesty, integrity, and hard work.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Goldie; loving wife, Maxine; brothers, Don and Pete Wortham; and great-granddaughter, Everly. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Cowdrey of Worland and Tammie (Rodney) McDonald of Parker, Colorado; his grandchildren, Lindsay (Dustin) Heinzerling, Amber (Kurtis) Taylor, Katelyn (Sam) Allen, and Colton (Haleigh) Cowdrey; and great-grandchildren; Grace, Noah, Remi, Branch, Samantha, and Connor.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the United Methodist Church with Frank Ley officiating. Funeral Honors will be held by the United States Army and the American Legion Post #44 at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the services. Memorial donations may be made to The New Hope Humane Society. Please send checks to PO Box 524, Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.