Mattie West

MATTIE BELLE WEST Mattie Belle West, daughter of William Alfred and Mattie Belle North Webster, was born, October 20, 1918 in Decaturville, Missouri. She departed this life, Tuesday, November 25, 2008 in St. Mary's Manor in Blue Springs, Missouri at the age of ninety years, one month and five days. Mattie was raised in the Decaturville area with the exception of three years spent in Oklahoma. She was united in marriage to Fred Whitworth and to this union one daughter was born. They made their home in the Pleasant Grove community. On October 28, 1946 in Fort Scott, Kansas, she was united in marriage to James Edward "Ed" West and to this union three children were born. Ed and Mattie made their home north of Camdenton and in 1961 they moved to Independence, Missouri. Together they shared twenty years of marriage until his passing on November 12, 1966. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five sisters, Rachel McGuire, Annie Webster, Hattie Grimes, Linnie Webster and Rhoda Waterman; six brothers, Walter, Alvin, Willie, Loyd, Leonard and Richard Webster and two grandsons, Leroy Crain, Jr. and Lee Compton. Survivors include her children, Barbara Whitworth Crain and husband Ronald of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Frieda West Hickman and husband Darrell of Milo, Missouri; Reta West Compton and husband Vilas of Blue Springs, Missouri and James Edward West, Jr. and wife Linda of Blue Springs, Missouri; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She worked for St. Regis Corporation and retired from the company in 1984 after twenty-two years of service. She was a life-time member of United Paperworkers International Union Local #765 AFL-CIO, CLC. Mattie was saved at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Charity Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri. She loved her church and was very active member. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, gardening and sewing. Most of all, she enjoyed time spent with her family and friends, especially at family reunions in Oklahoma. Mattie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and was a caring neighbor and friend. She just learned she was going to be a great-great-grandmother. Her body was old and worn, but her spirit is new and free. Yonder she goes We pray that we may follow. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2008 in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial will follow in New Home Cemetery, Camdenton. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Saturday in the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.