Rosenelle Worthington

Rosenelle Edward Worthington, 86, of Indianapolis died September 4, 2010. She was born on July 21, 1924 in Lawrence County, Indiana. Nelle attended Indianapolis Public School #60 and was a graduate of Shortridge High School and the Oakdale School of Practical Nursing at Louisville General Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. She and Russell Dale Worthington married on August 21, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1988. Nelle was employed as an education consultant for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and worked full time through August of this year. She helped clients and consultants statewide with issues concerning Medicare, Medicaid, and Disabilities. She had a vast knowledge in many areas of advocacy for senior citizens. Her stamina, enthusiasm, and commitment to those with whom she worked and on whose behalf she served, belied her age. Nelle was recently notified that she was the recipient of the Golden Hoosier Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a senior citizen by the State of Indiana. The award was to have been presented to her by Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman on September 10th. Nelle lived her life helping others, whether they were family, friends, or seniors she had never met. In 1972 Nelle’s husband became disabled with Huntington’s Disease. She became active in the local support group and the National Huntington Disease Association. In 1988 Nelle became a widow. Her volunteering increased. She joined Information and Referral Network (IRN) as a volunteer supervisor for volunteer specialists. Nelle trained volunteers concerning needs of senior citizens such as housing, food, and social needs. When CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions consolidated its services, they established an Information and Assistance Department. Nelle became a volunteer for that program, and continued to volunteer with them until her death. Nelle attended East 91st Street Christian Church. She was an honorary member of Delta Mu Chapter of Sigma Phi Omega National Honor Society and Professional Association for Gerontology. While Mary Ann and Derek Wallace cared for Nelle recently, she is survived by her loving extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell; her mother Clara VanMeter Burckes; and step-fathers C. J. Van Meter and Fred R. Burckes. In lieu of flowers, it was Nelle’s wish that contributions be made to CICOA Foundation, (indicate in memory of Nelle) 4755 Kingsway Dirve, Indianapolis, IN 46205-1572 or East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation, 6049 E. 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan Zionsville Funeral Center.