Kay Wortman

Kay was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend that impacted the lives of so many over the course of her 85 years.

Kay passed away on June 21, 2025 in Scottsdale where she resided with her husband. She was born on November 6, 1939 in Havre, Montana to Miram and Florence Severud, and grew up on their wheat farm in nearby Hingham.

She graduated as salutatorian of her class at Hingham High School in 1957 and went on to attend The University of Montana in Missoula, where she met and married her first husband Ken Nelson. Together they had three children: Steve, Tim and Amy.

She married her husband, Jim Wortman on March 19th, 1992 at Bluebeards Castle in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. They enjoyed traveling the world together and spending time with their family.

Kay worked for Scottsdale School District as the transportation coordinator until she retired in 2000. She then went on to work for America West Vacations until she retired in 2009. Kay was a hard worker and much appreciated by her fellow employees and all who came to know her.

In her free time, Kay enjoyed watching sports, especially her Phoenix Suns and the Mercury. She was a long-time season ticket holder for both ASU football and baseball, and enjoyed volleyball and other sports. She also enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening, and grew her own roses and sweet peas. She loved having her grandchildren around and making memories with them and the rest of the family.

She is survived by her husband Jim Wortman; her daughter Amy Kilpatrick (Scott); grandchildren Tim Kilpatrick (Sarah) and Will Kilpatrick (Morgan); her brother Lowell Severud and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sons Timmy and Steve Nelson, and sister Marlene Sackett.

A memorial service will be held for the family on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Green Acres Mortuary, with a celebration of life to follow at 4:00 at Campo Italian Bistro, 8260 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale.