Dorothy Marie West

December 7, 1931 - January 30, 2021

Dorothy Marie West, age 89 of Neodesha, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas. Dorothy was born December 7, 1931 in Rock Island, Washington to Sylvester and Dellia (Smith) Hopper. She grew up with 2 brothers, Robert and Leonard, and her family moved to Kansas while she was very young. She attended school in Mulberry, Kansas, graduating from Mulberry High School in the class of 1949. She then attended Independence Community College and Ottawa Junior College. Early in 1950, Dorothy met a young military man named Leroy. She had been wanting to meet him, as she had always heard her neighbors talk about their son that was in the military. They went out for a bowl of chili, and that’s all it took. On August 27, 1950, Dorothy married Leroy West in Mulberry, KS. They spent the next 70 wonderful years together, raising their 4 children. During their early years of marriage, they moved around to several places for work, and in 1970 made their home in Neodesha, KS. Dorothy spent time teaching with the preschool Head Start program, sold insurance for a while and worked for an Audiologist making hearing aids. Her main focus though, was being a mom and then later a grandma and great-grandma. Dorothy was active as a Scout leader while her children were growing up, was a member of the United Methodist Church, enjoyed crocheting, quilting, painting and reading. Dorothy is survived by her children: Raymond (Gloria) West of Carthage, MO James (Joyce) West of Neodesha, KS Janet (John) Eggars of Neodesha, KS Debora West of Conifer, CO 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren Former exchange student who came to the US in 1990 from Denmark, Nic Birch and wife, 4 children, and 3 step children Brothers: Robert (Nancy) Hopper of St. Joseph, MO Leonard (Karen) Hopper of Colby, KS She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Leroy. Cremation has been requested, with a graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Rosebank Cemetery, Mulberry, KS Following graveside services there will be a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM at the Senior Center in Mulberry, KS Memorial contributions can be made to the Neodesha Arts Association and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736