Hilda Imogene West of Leasburg, MO was born on Monday, February 2, 1914 in Bourbon, MO to the union of Charles Edward and Lula (nee Eldredge) Steuernagel and left from this life on Monday, March 2, 2009 in Sullivan, MO at the age of 95 years and 1 month,
Hilda was united in marriage to Bernard L. West on November 27, 1947 in Steelville, MO and to this union four children were born—Barry, Brent, Linda and Carol. They were happily married for 55 years.
Hilda worked as a school teacher at Fairview, Sunnyside and Mound Schools in her younger years. She worked at the Small Arms Plant in St. Louis during the war. After raising her children, Hilda went back to work as a substitute school teacher and librarian for the Bourbon School District and retired in 1979 after many years of dedicated service. After retirement, Hilda worked side-by-side with her husband, Bernard, farming and raising cattle.
Hilda was the secretary for Lea Cemetery for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, gardening, canning, baking, playing cards and being outside. But what she truly enjoyed most was spending time with her family and friends.
Hilda was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-­in-law and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Hilda is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lula Steuernagel; husband, Bernard L. West; one son, Brent West; one son-in-law, Ernest Sokolowski; one sister, Doris Steuernagel; other relatives and friends.
Those who are left to treasure her memory and to continue her legacy is her son, Barry West and wife, Kathy, of Leasburg; two daughters, Linda Benne and husband, Lester, of Chamois and Carol Smith of Leasburg; one brother, Joe Steuernagel of Bourbon; six grandchildren, Sheri Nenninger and husband, Steve, Mary Sokolowski, Michael Sokolowski, Crystal Monda and husband, Carl, Grant West and Brent Smith and wife, Trinity; seven great-grandchildren, Trevor, Nicholas and Matthew Nenninger, Austin and Evan Monda, Payton and Haiden Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services for Hilda West were held at Lea Cemetery in Leasburg, MO at 3 p.m.  on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 with Pastor Don Wissman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lea Cemetery Association in Hilda’s memory.
Arrangements were under the care of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, MO.