August 26, 1924 – September 14, 2023
Virginia Nadine West, 99, a resident of Henryetta, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, in Tulsa. “Dink” was born August 26, 1924, in Canadian to Myrtle Nellie (Jones) and John James Rhoades.
Dink is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Ray West, her parents and siblings, John James Rhoades, John William Reece (Bill) Rhoades, Winfred Carl (Dub) Rhoades, Nellie Evelyn (Rhoades) Garrett, Clinton Lee (Bunk) Rhoades, Elsie May (Rhoades) Sims, Mable Jane (Rhoades) Jackson, Reba Joyce (Rhoades) Brassfield and Clyde Elmer Rhoades.
Ray and Dink worked hard all of their lives. In the early years, they followed the fruit crops through Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Returning to Oklahoma, Dink went to work for Braum’s in Tulsa. At Braum’s, she became Regional Manager and opened and managed more than 20 stores. She thought Henryetta was an ideal location for a Braum’s store so after she retired, she persuaded Mr Braum to build a store in town.
Dink and Ray moved to Henryetta to be close to their family. They had many friends and relatives in town, but none were closer than Virgil and Mable Jackson. The three Jackson girls, JoAnne, Pegi and Marilyn were like daughters to Dink.
Active in her church, Dink loved all of the church members like family and enjoyed working with them in the church kitchen and the food bank. She loved any activity that involved cooking. Henryetta benefitted from her apricot fried pies and her crackling cornbread. She would have fed the world if she could.
On Thanksgiving, friends and family would gather at Dink’s. Sometimes, there would be more than 30 people in her small house. If you needed a meal, Dink would happily provide it. Her home was always open and she loved company. Around town, she knew just about everyone and made friends of strangers. She gave a never ending supply of hugs.
She especially loved children and she was “Nana” to every child she met.
Dink was strong, giving, optimistic, active and fun. She loved puzzles and games and wanted to win. She was the glue that held the family together.
Her son Jack is grateful to the many friends and relatives who filled Dink’s life after Ray passed away.
Those left to cherish Dink’s memory are her sister, Ruth Baker of Oklahoma City; her son, Jack West and wife Georjean of Owasso; four grandchildren, Cynthia Smart of McKinney, Texas, Stephen West of Johnstown, Colo., Jason West of San Antonio, Texas and Brian West and wife Stephanie of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; six great-grandchildren, Meredith Smart of Dallas, Texas, Matthew Smart of Little Rock, Ark., Ethan West of Johnstown, Colo., Trevor West of Johnstown, Colo., Dylan West of Glenwood Springs, Colo. and Allison West of Glenwood, Springs, Colo.; and five great-great-grandchildren, Kennedy Rae Palmer, Lane Grace Palmer, Reagan James Smart, Reece Taylor Smart and Riley-Ann Ruth Smart (due in October) and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Rex Walcher officiated.
Those serving as pallbearers included Jason West, Stephen West, Brian West, Trevor West, Ethan West, Dylan West, Matthew Smart and Josh Palmer Honorary pallbearers included Ed West, James West, Jim Garrett, Gary Carnes, Paul Stephenson, Shane Carnes, Church Elders, Harold Cassler, Jerry Tamplen, Ray Sulllins, Keith Estes and Steve McKibben.
Visitation was scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, at Integrity Funeral Service, 410 E. Trudgeon in Henryetta.
Funeral services were scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2023, at Henryetta Church of Christ, 413 W. Broadway in Henryetta.
Interment followed at Hanna Cemetery under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
