Funeral services for Catherine “Kate” Louise West, 93, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Committal service will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at Oaklawn Cemetery in LaCygne, Kansas. Kate passed away Monday, September 23, 2019 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Kate was born December 23, 1925 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Harry J. and Ida Elisabeth (Reed) Harris. She grew up in the house where she was born at 1273 Pennsylvania Avenue and attended Argentine High School.
She was the best possible wife, mother and Gram imaginable. All her extended family feel thankful every day for her lifetime of love and care. In those rare periods when home and family permitted, she worked part-time as waitress, store clerk and spot welder. She loved music, had a beautiful singing voice and served as pianist/organist for her church. She was sometimes seen taking off on a motor scooter if her ride to music practice was late. She enjoyed travel and spent a couple years living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in conjunction with her husband’s airlines employment.
She married Jack Howard West on March 8, 1944 in Pensacola, Florida. He preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John William Harris and sister, Bertha Groothouse.
Survivors include her children; Timothy Vance (Martha) West, Jacalyn Kay (Robert) Dickerson, Terry Joseph (Susan) West; 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren.
The family will greet friends from 1:00 ~ 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Richard Pember says
Jackie, blessings to you and your family this week. Your Mom clearly left a great legacy and I am confident that she is now receiving her eternal reward for her faithfulness. I want you to know that I really appreciate your quiet dignity and professionalism at work. You are a blessing to us too.
ted says
Lord, at the moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss I feel.
My heart is broken and my spirit mourns.
All I know is that Your grace is sufficient.
This day, this hour
Moment by moment
I choose to lean on You,
For when I am at my weakest Your strength is strongest.
I pour out my grief to You
And praise You that on one glorious day
When all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered
We shall walk together again.
Jill Velasquez says
Jackie & Family,
Wishing peace to bring you comfort, and courage to face the days ahead. My heart and thoughts remain with you. I will continually pray for you and your family.