Doris Elizabeth West
Doris Elizabeth West, 94, of Marion, and formerly of Anna, died on May 18, 2016.
She was born on May 16, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of George M. and Natalie Kuhlman Andrews.
She married then-USAAF Staff Sgt. James Edward West on July 1, 1944.
After an adventuresome move from Philadelphia to Jim's air base assignment in South Dakota, they settled in Anna. Though raised in the American (Northern) Baptist tradition, she embraced membership at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna, singing soprano in the choir. Her wonderful voice and willingness to share it led her to sing at funerals and special times in her church. At her time of passing, she was the oldest member of Mt. Moriah.
She regularly volunteered at Stinson Library in Anna and for the Union County Hospital Auxiliary. For several years, she enjoyed the company of friends in their monthly Sewing Club. She was an avid reader and did needlework until her failing eyesight prevented it. She was a good mother and homemaker. She also worked at Hodges Furniture Store, retiring after 15 years selling furnishings and advising customers.
Doris and Jim shared 53 years of marriage until his passing in 1997. She will be remembered for her elegance and kindly manners, constant prayers and concern for her family and friends, as a witness to her faith, and showing a courageous nature; those who knew her say she always put her best-foot-forward and maintained remarkable decorum.
She was a devoted and loyal mother, grandmother and friend, always supporting loved ones with prayer and caring ways.
She is survived by son Kenneth Andrew (Veronica) West of Marion and daughter Betsy Ann (Dallas) Harris of Clinton; sister-in-law Barbara Andrews of Santee, Calif.; by grandchildren Bart Harris, Clinton, Bret (Sherrie) Harris, Clinton, Lexi West of Olmsted, Illinois, Melanie (Billy) Burkeen of Paducah, Sarah West of Marion, Caitlyn Conroy West of Cobden, Benjamin West of Marion, Natalie West of Sidney, Mont., and Samuel (Kelly) West of Nashville, Tenn. She leaves nine great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; by a son, James Edward West Jr.; and her brother, George Kenneth Andrews.
A memorial service will be held at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna on Wednesday, June 1, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Marlin Otte officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Anna Cemetery.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mt. Moriah or to the Friends of Stinson Library.
To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.