Ella Worthington

Ella Worthington, 108, a pioneer resident of Long Beach, died at a local care facility on May 21, 2015. The ninth of ten children, she was born May 1, 1907 in Moundsville, West Virginia. Five years after her birth the family moved to the Peninsula. Ella recalls digging "hundreds of clams" before going to grade school and by ninth grade her father had told her to enter the local workforce to help the family make ends meet. Ella and her mother grew produce which they sold to local restaurants and a grocery store. Later Ella worked as a processor at local oyster canneries, the cranberry bogs and other endeavors over the years. In 1930 Ella met Vern Worthington at the Long Beach Grange and they married three years later. This union of mutual respect flourished for 78 years until Vern's death in 2010. Vern and Ella were a team who enjoyed square and hay-shaker dancing, vegetable gardening and other interests. Ella was a singer who along with her brothers and sisters composed the Rhine Quartet, they performing at numerous local events in years past. Ella was known for sharing her flowers with the sick and friends and she and Vern enjoyed travels to Alaska and Canada together. When the challenges of age took their toil on both they only bonded closer, looking after each other. They took great pride in their home on Sandridge Road where in past years they raised beef cattle. Ella leaves a legacy of hardwork, dedication and commitment. For many, many years she was active in the Long Beach Grange, having the distinction of being the first woman headmaster thereof. Ella and Vern were childless. Survivors include members of their extended families. Funeral service will be Thursday, May 28, 2015, 2:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. A reception follows and then Ella will be buried beside Vern at Ilwaco Cemetery. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilachapel.com..