Wanda Lea West, 85 of Abilene passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Chapman Valley Manor. She lived a wonderful life filled with family, friends, hard work and fun travel adventures. She was born October 12, 1933 in Winfield, Kansas the daughter of Harold and Mabel (Wilson) Riggs. Wanda grew up in the Oxford area, attended the local schools and graduated from Oxford High School. On October 11, 1953 she was united in marriage to Bill West at the Methodist Church in Oxford. She and Bill had six children. Wanda was active in 4-H, saddle club and national horse associations. She loved horses and was owner/operator of B&W Quarterhorse and Paint for many years. Wanda served as the American Paint Horse Association Director for 25 years; she also served as president and vice president of the Kansas Paint Horse Association. She and Bill owned and operated grocery stores in Abilene since 1967. Although Wanda had many responsibilities outside the home, first and foremost, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing cards and reading. She was a member of the Abilene First United Methodist Church.
Wanda is survived by her husband Bill of the home. Two daughters: Paula Hopkins (Rod) and Suzanne Hoekman (Vic) both of Abilene. Three sons: Steve West (Janet) of Abilene; J.D. West (Haley) of Abilene and Craig West (Jill) of Wichita. Seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Two sisters: Sandra Patterson (Wallace) of Oxford and Janice Stengel (Joe) of Georgetown, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Michelle West.
Funeral Services for Wanda will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 7, 2019 at the Abilene First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Abilene City Cemetery. Family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-7 at the Church. Family suggests memorials be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Abilene First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410.