Kathy West

Kathy M. West, age 74, of Edmond, Oklahoma, formerly of Laurel, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023 at her home in Oklahoma.

Per the wishes of Kathy and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, June 24 (note date) from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, 1209 Iowa Ave W., Marshalltown, Iowa. Graveside services will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Laurel. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. For online condolences and questions, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born Kathy Marie Garland on June 26, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the daughter of Milford D. and Hope Marie (Gurwell) Garland. After meeting the love of her life, John Clifford West, they were united in marriage on September 6, 1968 at Garwin United Methodist Church in Garwin, Iowa. They made their home in Laurel, where they raised their three children. Kathy was a loving and dedicated mother and wife, while also working for Grinnell Mutual.

Lovingly referred to as “Wacky Kacky” or “Kat,” her family meant the world to her. Kathy enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in their many sporting events and activities over the years and she especially loved getting to see her new great-grandbabies. She was an avid reader and excellent cook, best known for making Kringla and her homemade egg rolls. Kathy also loved watching John Wayne movies, The Masked Singer and Game Show Network.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 54 years, John of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA; her children: Chris West of Gilman, IA, Chad West of Marshalltown, IA and Cory Hilliard of Oklahoma; grandchildren: Lauren West, Clifford West, Sam West, Bindi West, Bree West, Jonathon West, Brandon West, Bailey West, Kacilyn Mayhew, Karter Hilliard and Kavin Hilliard; seven great-grandchildren; her siblings: Jim Garland, Teri Beck, Pat Garland and Carrie Espe and several nieces and nephews.

In eternal life, Kathy is reunited with her parents, Milford and Hope Garland and her sister Stephanie “Stevie” Siemens.