Julia Laird Wortham, age 90 of Riverton, passed away February 13th, 2025 at Westward Heights. A viewing will be held at Davis Funeral Home Friday February 28th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the funeral service being held Saturday March 1st at 10:00 a.m at Davis Funeral Home.
Julia Bernice Laird was born December 28th, 1934 in Worland Wyoming, to Russell I. Laird and Florence (Sein) Laird. She was the eldest child and grew up in Worland on the family farm with her three brothers and one sister. She graduated from Worland High School with the class of 1953.
On June 7th 1953 she married the love of her life, Donald Ray Wortham, in Worland.
At this time, they moved to Billings, MT where Don attended Eastern Montana College of Education earning his associate’s degree in 1954 then it was off to the University of Wyoming where he completed his bachelor's degree in business in 1956. By this time their two daughters were part of the family.
Upon graduation from UW, they moved back to Worland where their three sons joined the family and Don was finally able to use his education securing a job with Amoco Production. His employment with Amoco led to assignments in Billings, Casper and Tulsa Oklahoma and eventually back to Riverton where they made their forever home and raised their family.
Julia was a member of the Presbyterian faith and held several leadership roles in Riverton including conducting services. Her hobbies included her continued love for horses, dancing with Don and enjoying her family. She was a substitute teacher in Riverton as well as a tutor for many students sharing her love for reading. One of her proudest accomplishments was earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Wyoming.
Julia and Don were instrumental in forming the Back Country Horsemen and also the New Pioneer Wagon Train where they were able to mentor younger generations on horsemanship and establish life long friends.
Julia is survived by her brother Loren of Worland and her five children, Shauna Mitchel (Brent) of Alaska, Shelley Botts (Tom) of Jackson, Rex Wortham (Lori) of Big Piney, Ross Wortham (Billie) of Riverton and Roy Wortham (Carol) of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren who affectionately called her "Granny J".
She is preceded by her husband Don and three siblings, David, Gene and Penny.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Westward Heights and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care as well as her special and loyal friends, Ingrid and Roberta, for all of their love and time spent with Julia.
Julia’s wishes for any donations be made to PAWS animal rescue of Riverton (wwwpawsforliferiverton.org) continuing her love for animals and to honor her special dogs Harley and Indy.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com. Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments. |
