Wordna Paxson Obituary

Denver, Colo. - Wordna Lofair Paxson (Ewing) was born April 26, 1930 in Flat Rock, Illinois. The eldest of two girls to parents Clarence and Dorothy Ewing, Wordna enjoyed a childhood filled with days exploring the simple charms of the rural town of Robinson, Illinois with her sister Donna and abundant local family and friends.

Always a strong and independent lady, Wordna at the age of 21 accepted a file clerk position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington DC. Wordna loved reminiscing about her experience with the FBI well into her later years. It was in Washington DC that Wordna met James J. Paxson (Jim) who was then serving with the Counter Intelligence Corps. in Washington DC. Jim and Wordna were married September 13, 1953 and moved to Denver, Colorado in 1954. In Denver, Wordna worked at The Denver Bank, and then after devoting herself to raising two daughters, worked with Sears Roebuck and Company for 17 years (1974-1991), a job she enjoyed greatly into retirement.

Wordna loved the outdoors and the mountains, and enjoyed gardening in her leisure time. A beloved pet dog was usually at her side. A woman of faith, Wordna spent many mornings reading the Bible and Christian literature. Later in life, Wordna and Jim loved every minute that they could devote to helping with the many activities of their granddaughters. Wordna developed Alzheimer's symptoms in her later years and Jim devoted himself to her support and care. Jim and Wordna moved to an assisted living community in Denver in October 2021, and while residing there, were blessed to celebrate together 69 years of marriage on September 13, 2022. Shortly thereafter, Jim's health declined and he went home to be with Jesus November 18, 2022.

Following Jim's death, Wordna continued to exhibit a strong will to stay active insisting on walking without a walker and enjoying the outdoor courtyard until her very final days. Wordna passed peacefully into our Lord's presence on September 13, 2023 at the age of 93 1/2. It is very special that God reunited Wordna and Jim on September 13th as that day would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. They are buried together at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

Wordna is survived by daughter Rhonda (Mike Hickey) and granddaughters Kaley and Jessica of Colorado; daughter Karla (Steve Mercer) of Colorado; she is also survived by a sister Donna Monroney and nephews Jeff Monroney and Brent Monroney (Noweta), and niece Dena Elmore and great nieces Cami and Halle Risinger, all of Illinois; and other extended family.