A retired flower shop owner and award-winning senior league softball player died at her Kennewick home Sept. 26 from metastatic breast cancer.

Connie Wormington of Kennewick died surrounded by her family at age 76 – about 10 years after first being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to her obituary.

A celebration of her life and visitation is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at Mueller’s Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick.

The Wormingtons launched Just Roses Flowers & More in 1989, offering a tuxedo-wearing delivery staff. Their Kennewick shop also offered the convenience of a drive-up window.  They also had a store in Pasco.

Wormington and her husband, Sandy, sold the business, along with their wholesale flower shop, Columbia Wholesale, in 2022.

She said then that they knew it was time to retire since her cancer was progressing. “That was a determining factor – we want to enjoy some of our life. I keep telling Sandy that I don’t want to retire and die, but I want to retire and live a fun life,” she told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business two years ago.

Born in Norfolk, Nebraska, Connie was the first of six children. She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1966 and attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. She married Sandy in Columbus, Nebraska, and the couple celebrated their 42nd anniversary in June.

Connie spent 20 years traveling the country as an instructor for Beauty for All Seasons, a company offering services and advice on how to look great at any age.

Throughout her life, Connie played softball. Her love of the game started in high school and she played competitively for six decades.

She played in tournaments across the United States until she was 75 years old and was a multi-champion World Senior Games softball gold medalist.

She also enjoyed playing pickleball, exercising, boating, spending time with family and friends, and decorating.

She was involved in her Bible study group and enjoyed weekly Bible study sessions with friends.

The Wormingtons raised two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Justin, who were 3 and 6 when they came to them. Connie then became involved in leading a support group for grandparents raising relatives, according to her obituary.

“She had a big heart with a lively personality. She was very outgoing, fun, caring and determined. She brightened up any room that she was in. Connie was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was so loved and will be deeply missed,” her obituary said.