Carla Jean Crowther Worthen

April 22, 1943 - January 31, 2021

Carla Jean Crowther Worthen, 77, passed away on January 31, 2021 due to natural causes. She was born on April 22, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Carl and Doris Crowther (Orme). Carla married Ronald Worthen on April 8, 1972 and he devoted his life to supporting her varied interests and caring for her until the end. Carla graduated from West High School in 1961 and retired from the Utah State Board of Education in 2005. She was a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi International Women’s Organization and her love for the natural world was evident in the pride she felt as a volunteer zoo guide and animal handler at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Carla is survived by her husband, Ronald Worthen, and two daughters, Tiffany Vandeman and Rhonna Worthen. Being a grandmother was her greatest gift and she leaves three grandchildren, Tellena Randall, Ryonn Vincent-Baird, and Dayton Worthen; and three great-grandchildren, Adynn, Easton, and Hollis Randall. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Barbara and Mary, and her son, Neal. Carla was generous and unconditional with her love and time and inspired those lucky enough to know her to love others with a gracious heart. You did not need to share DNA with her to be loved by her with her whole heart; if she loved you, you were family. Carla’s spirit was strong and her void will be indescribably felt. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Utah’s Hogle Zoo (www.hoglezoo.org/honor-a-loved-one/) in her name to ensure that her memory is never forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held near her birthday and details will be announced in April. Be safe ‘n’ buckle up!