Betty Margaret West was born on March 7, 1935, and entered into her heavenly home on January 25, 2026, reaching the age of ninety years. She passed peacefully, in her sleep, on an icy Sunday morning.

She was the sixth of eight children born to the late Joe and Laura West, both of whom preceded her in death.

On August 7, 1954, Betty married the love of her life, James Enoch West. To this union, five children were born:

Laura Sue West, who passed at birth
Fred Ray West, of Monticello
Linda Pearl Chaney (Dan), of Monticello
Peggy Jo Humble (Rick, dec.), of Monticello
Johnny Reed West (Lorrie), of Somerset

In addition to four of her children, Betty is survived by one brother, Charles West (Belle) of Somerset, Kentucky.

She is also survived by five grandsons and six granddaughters:

Holly West, Dillon West, Jessica Phillips (Derek), Jacob Chaney (Maggie), Cheyenne Chumbley (Eric), Lucas Humble (Chelsea), Lindsey Koontz (Byron), Lance Humble, Haley Parker (Eli), Natalie West, and Jameson West.

In addition, thirteen great-grandchildren survive her, along with one great-grandson on the way.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-one years, James West, in September 2015.  Her firstborn infant daughter, Laura Sue West, and son-in-law, Alrick "Rick" Humble, also preceded her in death.  Two brothers, including Oliver and Cosby West, as well as four sisters, Eula Huddleston, Bertha Gibson, Louise Shumaker, and Mary Mattingly, preceded her in death.

Betty accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age.  She was a faithful congregant of World Wide Ministries Church of God in Monticello for many years, attending regularly until she was no longer physically able.  The church leadership and members were like family to James and Betty, and they rarely missed a service. If their church happened to cancel, they would find another to happily visit.

Betty was the kin keeper of her large family.  She rose early every Sunday morning to prepare dinner before going to church, putting love and care into every dish. She made many special favorites for her beloved children and grandchildren.  Sundays were loud and full of love and laughter. Betty and James would sit on their porch swing, watching grandchildren swing, climb trees, or color with pebbles on the concrete porch.

Betty dearly loved her family.  She often taped cartoons for her grandchildren to take home and watch.  Each week, she meticulously searched the Wayne County Outlook for a grandchild's name or photograph, carefully underlining or circling it, cutting it out, and proudly saving it.   Her walls were lined from floor to ceiling with framed photographs of her beloved family.

Betty had a china cabinet filled with porcelain angels, and angel figurines were displayed throughout her home.  Yet, as anyone who ever met Betty West would tell you, she herself was a true angel-on-earth.  Betty was the kindest and most loving soul one could know.  Her sweetness shone through her gray-green eyes and gentle smile. She was always the first to offer a compliment or a kind word, often patting your hand or arm while speaking in the softest voice.  She loved to hold grandchildren, she loved sweets and puzzle books, and cherished trips of any distance with her beloved husband—from quick errands to Save-A-Lot, or regular visits to church, to longer journeys across the state in search of chickens to trade.

Betty was a true blessing, a light, and pure love to all who knew her.  She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her family.  What a precious angel heaven has gained.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and again Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  All services will be held at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel.