Barbara Gwendolyn Worthington

Barbara G. Worthington, 96, of Newman Grove, NE passed away Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.

A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Hope Cemetery in Newman Grove, NE with Jacquie Samway, PMA officiating. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions set by the CDC, a restricted visitation will be Monday, May 18, 2020 at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE, from 4-6 p.m. with no more than 10 people allowed in the funeral home at one time. In an effort to keep our community safe, we strongly encourage those feeling ill or who are part of an at-risk population (e.g., the elderly or immune-compromised, etc.) to please stay home. For those unable to attend, a video of the graveside will be posted to Barbara's obituary page.

Memorials are suggested to the Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home or to the donor's choice.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove and Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Gwendolyn Worthington was born on July 29, 1923 to George and Bertena (Simonson) Vaage in Newman Grove, NE. She was the youngest of three children. Barbara was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove. She attended District 68 north of Newman Grove. After graduating from Newman Grove High School in 1941, she obtained her nursing degree at Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha. Later, she went to New York for additional training in surgical nursing. It was there she met her lifelong friend, Wanda Kaffel from New Hampshire. Barbara moved back to Omaha and in the 1950's became the head nurse of the surgical unit at Immanuel and taught classes at the school. Wanda also moved to Omaha with Barbara. Later, Barbara was employed by Omaha Public Schools as a nurse. She continued her education by obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Omaha.

In 1980, Barbara was united in marriage to Pastor J.P. "Phil" Worthington in Omaha, NE. She moved to Minneapolis, MN where Phil worked at Golden Valley Lutheran College and Calvary Lutheran Church. Barbara was a great helpmate to Phil in his ministry. The couple traveled many places in the United States, as well as Israel, Egypt, Equador, and the Scandinavian countries. One of Barbara's favorite places was Mt. Carmel Bible Camp near Alexandria, MN where Phil would lead Bible studies.

After Phil died, Barbara shared an apartment with Wanda in Minneapolis. In 2015, Barbara moved back to Nebraska to be closer to her family after Wanda's death. She moved to Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove where she resided until her death.

Barbara loved God and had a personal relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She knew her Bible well. Her favorite saying in life was, "I'm so blessed. I've always been blessed."

Barbara is survived by her nieces: Beverly (Marvin) Ericson of Osceola, NE; Carol Olson of Ericson, NE; Marcia Veal of Columbus, NE; Eudeen (Dwight) Nichols of Bartlett, NE; Chawna Vaage of Newman Grove, NE; Carla (Craig) Nelson of Newman Grove, NE; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phil; brother: Chester (Delores) Vaage; sister: Maurine (Floyd) Olson; niece: Charlotte Vaage; and three nephews: Arthur Eugene Olson, Milton Olson, and Ron Veal.