Elsie B. West, 96

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Sleeping peacefully, Elsie Barbara Denhardt West passed away January 1, 2018, at Geer Nursing.

Born on October 26, 1921, in New York City, she was the daughter of David and Barbara Denhardt. Through a beloved Sunday School teacher, she spent summers in Sheffield caring for young children. She graduated from the former Sheffield High School in 1939 and was valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation, Elsie lived and worked at Fairview Hospital. In 1942, Elsie married Ronald “Bud” West. They shared 60 years together before his passing in 2002.

Elsie's true love was first and foremost the First Congregational Church, Old Parish Church, in Sheffield, where her dedication to her faith can be summed up with borrowed words: "We are born, we live, and we die within the arms of our loving God." During her 77 years as a member of Old Parish Church, she was a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Women's Fellowship President, along with numerous boards and committees. Elsie was also an active member of Sheffield Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, for over 65 years. Through Bud's musical involvement with the Melha Shriner’s, Elsie became a "Shrine Lady" and an active supporter of the charity. Elsie worked for Macy's Garage in Sheffield for many years and retired to keep books for Bud's business, West Farm Equipment.  

She is survived by her son, David F. West and his wife, Barbara, of Sheffield; her daughter, Diane M. Smith and her husband, David Smith Sr. of Sheffield; and her son, Donald S. West. She leaves five grandchildren, Richard and Andrew West, Danielle Pedretti, Kimberly Lavoie and Kenneth Smith; and seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Christina and Olivia Pedretti, Matthew and Benjamin Lavoie, and Megan and Tyler Smith.

Funeral notice: The funeral for the late Elsie B. West will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Sheffield, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham, pastor. Burial will follow at Sheffield Center Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 5, 2018, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Shriner's Children's Hospital or the First Congregational Church of Sheffield to benefit the sanctuary through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Geer Nursing for their compassionate and loving care extended to Elsie.