Doris Elizabeth West

Doris Elizabeth West, 94, of Marion, formerly of Anna, died May 18, 2016. Born May 16, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to 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 Jims' airbase assignment in South Dakota, they settled in Anna. Though raised in the American (Northern) Baptist tradition, she embraced membership at Mount Moriah Lutheran Church, 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, Doris was the oldest member of Mt. Moriah. She regularly volunteered at the Stinson Library 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. Doris 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.Doris 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, Marion and daughter Betsy Ann (Dallas) Harris, Clinton, Illinois; sister-in-law Barbara Andrews of Santee, California; by grandchildren Bart Harris, Clinton, Bret (Sherrie) Harris, Clinton, Lexi West of Olmsted, Illinois, Melanie (Billy) Burkeen of Paducah, Kentucky, Sarah West of Marion, Caitlyn Conroy West of Cobden, Benjamin West of Marion, Natalie West of Sidney, Montana, and Samuel (Kelly) West of Nashville, Tennessee. She leaves behind 9 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild, as well as many beloved 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 Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna, Wednesday June 1 at 11 a.m., Rev. Marlin Otte officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service, 10-11. Interment is 1:30 p.m. at the Anna Cemetery. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Mount Moriah or Friends of the Stinson Library. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial/Funeral Service Wednesday, June 1, 2016,11:00AM Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church 100 W. Jefferson St. Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Wednesday, June 1, 2016,1:30PM Anna Cemetery West Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906