Matthew Worton

MATTHEW BAGLEY WORTON 10/24/24 – 7/28/04 IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Matthew Bagley Worton passed away peacefully at home in Idaho Falls on July 28, 2004. He was born in Ogden, Utah, to George Matthew Worton and Gladys Amelia Bagley Worton on October 24, 1924. His early years were spent with his extended family mining gold in the mountains of Idaho and California. He spent much time with his grandparents, who taught him dignity and the gentleman's manners for which he was known throughout his life. His school years were spent in Star Valley, Wyoming, surrounded by four younger brothers and a large extended family. He graduated from Star Valley High School, where he participated in school plays, basketball and played the trombone in the high school band. He attended Utah State University briefly before being called to serve his country as a member of the U. S. Army 14th Antiaircraft Command in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He moved to Idaho Falls in 1946 and took a job as apprentice candy maker at Farr Candy Company. Matt held numerous positions at Farr Candy over the years. He serviced many customers over the years as a route driver and built lasting personal relationship with many business owners in the community. He was best known for making handmade candy such as Cherry Cordials, Peanut Clusters, Mallo-Nut and Black Walnut Bars, which he was still making at age 79. Farr's was a favorite place for friends, family and loyal customers to drop by for a visit with Matt and to share a treat. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have many fond memories of visiting at Farr's, watching the candy and ice-cream making, visiting the famous basement candy storage room, and, of course, indulging in a sample or two. In the 58 years Matt worked at Farr Candy Company he made many lifelong friends. Shortly after moving to Idaho Falls, Matt met a young dental assistant, LaDean Rossiter. It was love at fight sight and they were married for time and all eternity on September 12, 1947, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They owned and operated Scotty's Drive In together for many years. They loved camping and traveling together and spending time at the family cabin in Island Park, Idaho. They enjoyed over 52 wonderful years together as best friends. Matt and LaDean raised two sons and three daughters. Matt taught his children a strong work ethic, unwavering integrity and compassion for others through his steady, quiet example. Everyone felt welcome at their home, which was often filled with family and friends. Matt loved providing an abundance of good food, and Sundays and holidays found many friends gathered at their table. A favorite holiday was Halloween, when the garage was transformed to a shooting gallery and full size candy bars were given as treats. As the family expanded to include spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Matt made every effort to support and attend special family events and activities. Matt enjoyed many family trips to Disneyland, Lake Powell, Yellowstone, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. Matt was active in community and church activities. He was active in the Elks for many years and served as Exalted Ruler. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in many capacities. He took his church responsibilities very seriously and touched the hearts of many people. Matt enjoyed camping, Dutch-oven cooking, woodworking and gardening and loved the outdoors. Matt was a devoted husband and father. Family was always his top priority. He always remained very close to his extended family and especially enjoyed camping with his Bagley cousins at family reunions. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, LaDean, a daughter-in-law, Pam Worton, and a grandson, Preston Worton. He is survived by his children, Scott (RaKell) Worton of Idaho Falls, Laura (Reed) Snarr of Provo, Utah, Jill (John) Curtis of Idaho Falls, Ken (Kori) Worton of Highland Utah, Karey (Brian) Barker of Holladay, Utah, 25 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and four brothers, Gene, Bill, Mel and Keith (Barney) Worton. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at funeral services on Saturday, July 31, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. at the Idaho Falls LDS Grandview Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane, Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) in Idaho Falls and Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Veterans Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. In lieu of flowers, donations are being taken by the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the benefit of The Matt & LaDean Worton Memorial Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.