Helen Joan West (1935-2025) passed away peacefully on Nov. 17 at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy William West (died 2017); her daughter Sherry (died 2020); and survived by her daughter Barbara Youngblood (Steven), two grandsons, Alex Youngblood and Joshua Greenlee (Lauren), a sister (Alberta Gabauer), numerous nieces and nephews, and many “kids” and “grandkids" from Azerbaijan, Moldova, Syria, and Uganda.

In her final days, she was lovingly cared for by her grandson Joshua, a paramedic, and his wife Lauren, a nurse. Joan and her survivors are eternally grateful for the sweet care dispensed by Josh and Lauren that helped make Joan’s transition less traumatic for all.

Joan (don’t call her Helen!) was born to a huge family—she had 18 siblings and step-siblings. She grew up in KCK, and met the love her life, a lanky red-headed farm boy, working in downtown Kansas City. Joan and Roy (“Red”) raised two loving daughters in Kansas City, Kansas, where they were active in the church (Joan was a staunch believer), in family activities, and in creating award-winning ceramics. Joan, a homemaker, doted on her girls and husband, and was an outstanding cook.

Joan did not like onions—a fact that will come as a shock to those who knew her. Actually, the “no onions” schtick became a running joke in the family, since Joan always insisted on reminding everyone about her onion-phobia each time she sat down to eat.

She had a wonderful, though occasionally sharp, sense of humor, and loved to tease (“cutting up,” as she called it). Her son-in-law Steven was a special target of her barbs, although he was quick to return fire. Joan once told Steven that she cooked lunch for the president. Steven asked her if Mr. Lincoln enjoyed his lunch. (Actually, Pres. Eisenhower complimented her on the meal she prepared for him!)

In her later years, Joan opened up her heart to a number of immigrants, most of whom were former students who were host children of her daughter Barbara. After her husband’s passing, Joan took many memorable trips with Barbara and her grandson Alex, including Colorado and Las Vegas. She loved just looking out the window and taking in the scenery. Joan also loved her visits to visit Joshua and Lauren a few hours away from KC, and her trips to Branson with Barbara, Sherry, and her nieces Phyllis and CeCe. Joan lived a good life, and, given her health difficulties, one much longer than it could have been. The love she gave and received made her a rich woman, and that’s how she left this world, as a millionaire.