Wayne Walter Worthen

1939 - 2025

Wayne Walter Worthen
August 16, 1939 - August 7, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Walter Worthen, (Doe) at the age of 85 of Cashmere, WA (formerly Waterville, WA) on August 7th, 2025. Wayne passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Wayne was born August 16th, 1939, in Sumas, WA, the son of Hugh & Alice Worthen. Wayne spent his youth in the Methow Valley and graduated from Twisp High School in 1957. Following graduation, the farm boy headed east to attend Eastern Washington State College, graduating in 1962. When Wayne wasn't studying, he spent many days on the docks of Silver Lake where he met Gail Hackney. They married on August 5th, 1961, in Medical Lake, WA. Wayne & Gail were married 64 years.
Wayne started his teaching and coaching career in Lancaster, CA and after three years returned to Washington where he taught and coached in Springdale, WA. In 1977 the family moved to Waterville where Wayne continued teaching English and P.E., and coached basketball, baseball & football. Wayne retired from his administrative position in 1991 but continued coaching basketball until 1994. Wayne loved his years in Waterville and was selected to the Washington State Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Wayne often said, it was the people not programs that make great schools and communities and he exemplified this belief. Wayne poured his heart and soul into the Waterville community, school & kids. While basketball was the vehicle, his impact on kids went well beyond the hardwood. He modeled and taught high character, values and work ethic. These qualities will forever live in the countless numbers of young kids who had the fortune of knowing Coach Worthen.
After retiring, Wayne and Gail traveled extensively and had the fortune of spending the past 31 winters in Wellton, AZ. Wayne spent his days on the links and supplemented his retirement at the evening poker games.
Wayne & Gail also enjoyed nothing more than supporting their grandchildren at all their sporting events & keeping track of all their adventures. His kindness, gentle guidance along with his quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Wayne is survived by his wife Gail Worthen, Cashmere, Son Ed Worthen (Tristen), Four Lakes, WA, Son Eric Worthen (Lisa), Cashmere, Granddaughter, Alex Ortega, (Tim), Cashmere, Grandson Wes Worthen, (Kalie), Cashmere, Grandson Trey Worthen, Mammoth Lakes, CA, Grandson Tyler Worthen (Jessica), Bozeman, MT. Great Grandsons, Oscar Ortega, Hayes Worthen. Great Granddaughters, Andie Ortega & Palmer Worthen, Cashmere, WA.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the Waterville Cemetery followed by a luncheon and storytelling at the Douglas Community Church in Douglas, WA. Memorial contributions can be made to the Waterville Shocker Booster Club, PO Box 571, Waterville, WA 98858.