Patricia "Pat" West

December 24, 1938 – October 6, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann West, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, at 12:10 p.m. on October 6, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother Monta, her father Charles, her brother Robert, and her loving husband Joe.

Born on December 24, 1938, in Richland, Missouri, Pat was the daughter of Monta and Charles Browning and grew up alongside her younger brother, Robert (Bob) Browning. She spent her early years in Niangua, where her family owned a beloved local restaurant. She also spent time living in Blanchester, Ohio where she still has family in the area. She attended Richland High School, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

After graduating high school, Pat attended the University of Arkansas in Jonesboro, where she became a cheerleader and caught the eye of Joe "Terry" West, a star football player on scholarship at the university. Their love blossomed, and they married soon after. Joe's career in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot took them on a journey across the world, where they raised four children—Terry, Denise, Joanne, and Randy. Despite frequent relocations to places like Memphis, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Alaska, California, and Germany, Pat created a stable and loving home wherever they went.

As a devoted military wife, she gracefully balanced the demands of her husband's deployments with her dedication to her children, often volunteering for school activities and community clubs. Her resilience and quiet strength were especially evident during Joe's absences.

When Joe retired from the military, the family settled on a peaceful five-acre country home outside of Marshfield, Missouri, surrounded by towering oak trees, walking paths, and a small pond. It was here that Pat and Joe enjoyed their later years, often hosting family gatherings where the grandkids were always spoiled with home-cooked meals and treats from her "secret" stash.

Though her life was marked by chronic migraines that burdened her for decades, she never let them overshadow her love for her family. Pat was a nurturing and compassionate mother and grandmother who made sure everyone felt cared for, full, and loved. Whether hosting officer wives' events in her younger years or wrangling a snake back into the woods later in life, she was always ready to lend a hand with grace and humor. She had a quick wit and often had everyone laughing to tears. Pat cherished the quiet moments as well, often walking down to the creek near their home to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. She also knew how to make life fun—playing in the rain with her grandkids and reminding us all to embrace joy and laughter in every moment.

When Joe passed away in 2018, a part of Pat left with him. Their love was a bond like no other, and she longed to be reunited with him. Even so, she continued to light up in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy in her final years.
She is survived by her four children: Terry (Rick), Denise (Wade), Joanne, and Randy (Pam); her 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Emily), Michael (Maggie), Stacie, Baylee, Drew, Nick (Anna), Megan, Shane (Allison), Maggie, and Joe; as well as her 9 great-grandchildren: Owen, Ella, Riley, Colton, Brooklyn, Jayden, Henrich, Gracie, and Jackson.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. A service will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, October 10th, at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joe.