Ruth Marlene Worthington

Ruth M. Worthington, 75, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 7, 1948, in Brazil, Indiana, to Donald Max and Agnes Arlene (Dayhuff) Fulk.

She grew up in Patricksburg, Indiana, graduating from Patricksburg High School in 1966. She met Dennis Worthington when his family moved to Patricksburg in 1963, and the two of them were married in October of 1967. They bounced from place to place in Indiana, having three children, Philip (Phil), Paul, and Adrienne (A.J.) in the process, before settling in Westfield in 1981. Ruth was largely a homemaker—a full-time mom—but held various jobs as needed, studied Psychology at IUPUI, and helped raise some of her grandchildren.

She was a very talented individual with a keen intellect; she sewed many of her husband's and children’s clothes, and put together anything the family needed with little more than scraps of junk and a roll of duct tape. Without a doubt, she could have excelled at any career she chose; but the better part of her of her energy was spent in channels that have no great name on earth.

Wife, mother, grandmother, friend, caretaker of all, she built a fortress of light, a sanctuary, in which all of “her people” were safe, fed, cared for, defended, given time to grow, welcomed back, and loved—absolutely loved—with fierce and unshakable fidelity. Even as she aged and her body weakened, she held that fortress together with ingenuity and mostly a will that whatever the world was like, whatever it became, there would be a good place, of love and joy, fun and laughter, for her people. She was friendly to everyone, humble, soft-spoken, never gave to herself until everyone else was provided for. She always looked out for, protected, and went to battle for everyone…She was the best of us.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Dennis Worthington; sons, Philip (Phil) and Paul; daughter, Adrienne (A.J.); daughters-in-law, Michelle and Kathy; grandchildren, Quentin, Alicia, Ethan, Seth, Ariel, and Sam; and great-grandchildren, Hayden and Melody.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bradley Fulk.

Neptune Society is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/ruth-worthington-11722283.