Mark Alan Worthen

Mark Alan Worthen, a beloved husband, father, and friend to all passed away on
June 26, 2023, due to complications arising from a recent medical procedure. Mark
lived in Rathdrum, ID for almost 33 years with his wonderful wife Coy and family.
Mark was born July 3, 1956 at Providence Hospital in Seattle, Washington to
Marilyn and Clifford Worthen. Throughout his life, Mark cherished his upbringing
in North Seattle, where he and his sister Shauna Anderson, were raised by very
loving parents.  
Mark attended school in the Shoreline School District. It was at Hillwood
Elementary, where he discovered his passion for music.  He embraced the French
horn and played it from the 5th grade all the way through college at Shoreline
Community College.  Music became a significant part of his life.  He was a proud
member of the Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps from 1971-1976 in which he
also served as drum-major for 2 years. Mark graduated from Shoreline High
School in 1974.
In 1976, Mark embarked upon serving a 2 year mission in San Diego, California for
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his mission, he followed in
his Grandmother Twining’s footsteps with the desire to become a school teacher. 
He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a BS degree in
Elementary Ed in 1982 and later with a Masters of Education leadership in 1991. 
While attending college, Mark met his beautiful wife Coy Millard. They were
married on September 6, 1980 in the Idaho Falls Latter-day Saint temple. Their
marriage was a testament of love and devotion, lasting for nearly 43 years.
Together they were blessed with three wonderful children; Kara Ruiz (Benjamin),
Ryan, and Chase.  In 1991 they made Rathdrum, ID their home, where they created
countless cherished memories together.  Mark beamed with pride when he became
a grandpa to Stryker and Lena Ruiz. Mark was a family man through and through
and it was his family that brought him his greatest joy. He loved them fiercely and
their happiness was his highest reward. 
Mark’s true professional calling was teaching. He wholeheartedly embraced his
profession for 34 years. His passion for education was evident in his commitment
to instill in his students the joy to have fun while learning and to know that he was
one of their biggest supporters.

Mark’s career took him to various places, beginning in Goshen, UT, where he was an
elementary school teacher from 1982-1990.  In 1991, he joined the Lakeland
School District in Rathdrum, Idaho. He started out as an elementary school
principal for 3 years and then chose to return to his true passion of teaching
children in the classroom. He taught until his retirement in 2016. Mark also
connected with the youth teaching Driver’s Ed for several years. In addition, he
was a State of Idaho Driving Tester for 20 years and administered over 6,000
tests.  Most recently, he was trying his hand as an Uber driver. He enjoyed it
because it gave him a chance to meet and talk with people.
Mark belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving
faithfully in numerous callings.  Because of his drum-major background, one of his
most loved responsibilities was leading the congregation in music.  He often
dreamed of what it would be like to lead the Tabernacle Choir at Temple
Square. Who knows, maybe he is leading a heavenly choir now. Mark was also an avid
Seattle Mariners and BYU Cougar fan! Mark’s commitment to public service also
extended to the Rathdrum City Council.  He served 16 years being elected four
times.  Before his passing, he was serving on the School Board Planning and Zoning
Committee and volunteering in various ways at John Brown Elementary. Mark
enjoyed his time serving in public office and having the opportunity to continue
influencing students in their learning. He embraced the opportunity to make a
positive impact on his community.
Mark formed deep and meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. 
He had close friends from church, school, community and drum corps.  Above all,
Mark’s greatest source of pride and love was his family.  He often expressed his
deep affection for each of them and their unwavering support. It was their
happiness that brought him immeasurable joy.  He will be greatly missed and fondly
remembered by the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.  His
unwavering spirit and legacy of kindness, love, and friendship will continue to
inspire and resonate in the hearts of those he affected.  
A funeral service honoring Mark’s life will be held on Friday, July 7, at 15151 N
Meyer Rd, Rathdrum, ID.  The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service
beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will then follow at the Rathdrum Pinegrove Cemetery.
 

The Worthen family wish to express their heart felt appreciation to all who have
reached out to provide their support and service in various forms. We have felt its
strengthening power helping us through this difficult time.  
 In memory of Mark, in lieu of flowers, the family would welcome any donations to
be made to John Brown Elementary. These donations will go towards purchasing
new books for students, or items needed for their Cougar Closet. Please make
checks payable to John Brown Elementary and note it’s for the Mark Worthen
fund. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at:
Lakeland School District
15506 Washington Ave
Rathdrum, ID
83858