Biography: Elizabeth Ann "Genny" West passed away on September 1, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Genny was born in Little Rock on January 2, 1945, to Chubby and Frances Gunn. She graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1963 and from Little Rock University, where she was a Tri Delta member, in 1967. While in college, she met her future husband, Robert "Bob" West, through a mutual friend. They were married in 1968. They shared a love of travel and visited many places together over the years, including such favorites as New Orleans and the mountains of Colorado. Genny worked at St. Vincent in Human Resources until she quit to become a stay-at-home mom to their only child, Jenny. Later in life, she did part-time work for various offices in town. Throughout her life, Genny was a vivacious, nurturing person who loved everyone she met. No one was a stranger. Family members were her close friends, and she considered friends to be family. She would do anything to help anyone. She made every small occasion a celebration, and holidays became giant parties. She had a lifelong love of the Okatoma Club for families, which was co-founded by her father and where she regularly spent hours relaxing and listening to the sounds of nature. For many years, Genny was a Sunday school teacher for 3-year-olds at Immanuel Baptist Church. She had a passion for decorating and used those skills to create elaborate display cases for the church library. Almost 20 years ago, she joined St. James United Methodist Church. There she volunteered as a greeter for the Welcome Center during church services and often answered the phone for the church during the week until Alzheimer's prevented her participation in those activities. Genny was also a past member of Questers and volunteer usher for Arkansas Symphony performances. Genny is predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer "Jenny" West Rozelle; son-in-law, Joe; grandson, James; beloved cousins; and many cherished friends. Her love of laughter and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all whose lives she touched. A memorial service will take place Saturday, September 15, at 11 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Arkansas Children's Hospital, or St. James United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
Randall&Leigh Anderson