Barbara West

Barbara Jean West of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died on November 16, 2013 at the age of 77. She was out walking near her home, on a beautiful fall day, and passed away suddenly, peacefully. She was born to the late Elmer and Gladys Hopkins of Bloomfield, Mo. on Nov. 27, 1935. Barbara graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1953 and received a bachelor of science in home economics from Southeast Missouri State University in 1957. Barbara was married to the late Richard Barks from 1957 to 1979. They had two children, Kim and Kevin. Subsequently, she was married to the late Frank West. She had three careers in her lifetime. She was a teacher, primarily of home economics at Notre Dame High School. She sold real estate. Then she was a counselor for the State of Missouri Disability Determination Services, the position from which she retired. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for more than 50 years. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She had a lovely voice and sang in several church choirs. She met regularly with a group of close friends for over 30 years to play bridge. She liked gardening. She was deeply devoted to family and friends. Barbara was an especially gracious lady, very warm and caring. Her beloved long-time companion, Thomas Swayne Byrd, passed away May 5, 2013. Mr. Byrd resided in Charleston, Mo. They both enjoyed travel and traveled together extensively, domestically and internationally, and attended numerous performances of music and art and had many fine times together over the last 18 years of their lives. Barbara is survived by her two children: Kim (Mike) Cochrane of Encinitas, Ca. and Kevin Barks of St. Louis, Mo. She also is survived by one grandchild, Julia Cochrane. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon, and her stepmother, Mary. Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease several years prior to her passing. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 9370 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132-3214; 314.432.3422; www.alz.org. A memorial visitation will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel with a memorial service immediately following. Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Barbara West

November 16, 2013