Helen West, 86, of Piedmont, died Aug. 18.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Bill J. West. She is survived by her three sons, Jim West and wife Patsy of Piedmont, Tom West of Yukon, Bill D.West and wife Carrie of Piedmont. Six grandchildren, April Pickens, Leslie Shroyer, Lindsey Owen, David West, BJ West and Jason West, and numerous great grandchildren.
Helen was born on Nov. 30, 1934 to Tom and Eunice Smart in Maysville. She graduated from Norman High School and later from the University of Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Bill, in Wheeler County, Texas in January 1959. The couple eventually made their home in Piedmont, were they raised their three sons.
Helen was a retired from a 40-plus career as an LPN. She worked 20-plus years at Bellevue Health & Rehabilitation Center in Oklahoma City. Prior to Bellevue, she worked for Lackey Manor Nursing home for 20 years. She loved every moment of her nursing career and enjoyed getting to know the many patients she took care as well as their families. Something people may not know about Helen was that she was one of the first woman police officers in Piedmont serving as a dispatcher for Piedmont Police Department.
Bowling was a passion for Helen and she bowled for more than 30 years of her life. At one time she would average around 200 a game. Although, she was disappointed her bowling average went down she was still bowling well into her eighties with the Piedmont Mothers Bowling League. She loved watching sports, especially her grandkids and those Oklahoma Sooners. She loved the lake and waterskiing. She enjoyed the many trips she took with Bill on their motorcycle. Their longest trip being from Piedmont to South Dakota with Jim and Patsy. Her greatest passion in life was reading and she had a book with her everywhere she went, and that included while she was on the back of the motorcycle with her husband.
The family would like to express their gratitude and many thanks to the staff at Bellevue Health & Rehabilitation Center, Life Springs Hospice, Northhaven Assisted Living and the numerous friends who helped out during the last several years. The wonderful staff of City Stop and all their patrons, Helen truly did enjoy her mornings with you all. You are all greatly appreciated.
Graveside memorial services at Kansas Cemetery in Piedmont at 10 a.m. Saturday September 11, 2021.
