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Community leader Isabelle West was active in many Bluffton organizations

Isabelle May West, 97, died on Sept. 10, 2014, at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, Ohio.

She was born in Hancock County, Ohio on March 25, 1917, to the late G. Raymond and Mabel (Hamlin) Stewart. She married James F. West on May 20, 1943, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 1999.

Surviving are two sons: James S. (Carol) of Wapakoneta and John C. (Molly) of Phoenix, Ariz. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Stacy (Tim) Nordahl, Kelly (Bret) Layman, Bradley (Sarah) West, Jillian (David) Francis, Taylor and Britton West. Her seven great grandchildren are: Madison, Lauren and Elliot Layman, Jacob and Lucas West, and Harper and Logan Nordahl.

Mrs. West was also preceded in death by three sisters: LaDonna (John) Orwick, Norma (Merle) Thomas and Martha (Howard) Schoonover.

She was a graduate of Liberty High School, Bluffton (College) University and taught music at Mt. Cory, Liberty-Benton and Bath School Districts and was a private piano teacher. She was affiliated with Travel Club, Alpha Gamma, Ohio Music Education Association and most recently she attended Learning in Retirement Classes at Bluffton University.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bluffton where she directed the chancel choir for 27 years as well as serving with many organizations within the church. Both she and her husband contributed to their community. The new Emergency Wing on the Bluffton Hospital was named in their honor.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton on Monday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Kim Miller officiating.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are to be made to the Mennonite Memorial Home or the First Methodist Church of Bluffton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

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