Beatrice I. West

Beatrice I. “Bea” West, 92, of Millport, left this earthly journey and entered her heavenly rest on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born on Friday, December 18, 1931 in Rixford, she was a daughter of Clayton and Helen Holcomb Lawton.  On August 16, 1958, she married her beloved husband, Burdett E. West, who passed away on March 18, 2009.

Bea was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, Class of 1949 and a graduate of Arnot Ogden Hospital School of Nursing in 1952.  Bea worked for several years as an industrial nurse prior to returning to her hometown.  She later worked for the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean and for the Olean General Hospital, ending her nursing career at Hewitt Manor Nursing Home in Shinglehouse.  She also worked for many years beside her husband in establishing the West Brother’s family business, Gas Field Specialists, where she was the office supervisor until her retirement.

Bea was currently a member of Hebron Union Church.  She had in the past taught Sunday School and was also a youth leader.  Bea loved working with people in the church and community.  She most especially loved playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking, baking, reading, sewing and family gatherings.

Bea is survived by her six wonderful children and their families, Cheryl (Doug) Taylor, Rodney (Loraine) West, Bradley (Dixie) West, Gregory (Chris) West, Scott (Diane) West, and Jeffrey West.  Also surviving are twenty grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; a sister, Edith “Edie” Freaney; a niece, Tammy (Raleigh) Allen; and three nephews, Gary Lawton, Danny (Vicki) Lawton, and Steve Landries.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bea was predeceased by a grandson, Justin West; two brothers, Manford “Boe” Lawton and Robert Lawton; and a sister, Margaret Sisson.

Family and friends may call from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44N, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 12:30pm. Pastor Hank St. Amour and Pastor Roger N. Hain, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Pauline M. West Cemetery, Millport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bea’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Bea’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Bea, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.