Ellen Gertrude West, 90, of Republic, MO departed this life on Thursday, December 24, 2020 in Alexandria, MN. She was born on Saturday, September 27, 1930 in Kankakee, IL to Samuel Kinney and Hazel Vaughan.

The eldest of six siblings, Ellen grew up in Fairfield, IL. She moved to Springfield, MO and was soon united in marriage to James Daniel West. To this union five children were born. After Joyce, their eldest, was born in Springfield, MO they then moved to San Diego, CA were Linda, Jim and Sam were born. They then moved back to Springfield, were Retha "Suzy" was born. Ellen was a very hard worker. She was a waitress, head cook at Parkview High and then retired from French's shortly after the passing of her husband. Ellen had a passion for cookbooks and one armed bandits. She had the luck of the Irish, loved to travel, sew and crochet. Ellen made numerous afghans. She was a very approachable woman. Many people at the casino or standing in line at the store would start up a conversation with her. Ellen always said if you watched the news you will always have something to talk about. She could always make you laugh with her quirkiness and orneriness. Ellen had a very unique personality, was very kind and always put her family first. She was a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma and a soon to be great-great-grandma. Ellen will be deeply missed.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter Linda West, one great-grandson Destyn Yarger and two brothers Calvin and Samuel Kinney.

Ellen is survived by her four children Joyce Richard (husband Bill) of Billings, MO, Jim West (wife Nancy) of Joplin, MO, Sam West (wife Jeanette) of Alexandria, MN and Retha "Suzy" West of Republic, MO, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and tons of nieces, nephews, friends and family.

A visitation will be held from 12-1 PM on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with funeral services to follow at 1 PM. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com