Obituary of Olive R. West

Olive “Ollie” West, 91, New Florence passed away July 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio.  Born November 3, 1931, in New Florence the daughter of late Reigh and Ruth (St. Clair) Martin.  Also preceded in death by her husband Arthur “Screech” West, sister Joan, brothers Glenn and Alan “Sam” Martin, and sons-in-laws Tom Bennett and Stan Cramer.

Survived by children Donna Bennett and Diane Cramer, both of New Florence; and Dean West and wife Lori (Domineck), of Southmont; grandchildren Jason Bennett, Craig Bennett and wife Alison, Megan Young-Murphy and husband Adam, Lucas Cramer, Nicole Cramer, Morgan West, and Nathan West; step-grandchildren Dave Cramer and wife Jane and their children Kaitlin and Grady, Tina Miller and husband Mark and their children Zachary and Jacob; sisters Barbara Keeler, and Louise Birkhimer; sister-in-law Mary Kathryn Martin along with numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Ollie was employed at Trimble’s Store and Laurel Valley Video, however her most common occupation was that of a home maker and babysitter for her grandchildren and other local children.  Her least favorite occupation was serving as one of the local fire and EMS dispatchers before 911.  She was a 1949 graduate of New Florence H.S.  She was on the organizing committee for the establishment of the New Florence Community Library and was a faithful borrow/reader of many of the books through the years.  Her creativity was apparent in the many types of art projects she created from oil paintings, counted cross stitch, and themed decorations for many local parties.  And anyone who ate one of her infamous orange or raisin-filled cookies knows full well she was a terrific baker.

At Ollie’s request services and interment at Grandview Cemetery will be private.  Memorial donations may be made to New Florence Vol. Fire Co., PO Box 19, or New Florence Community Library, 122 N Ligonier St., both New Florence, PA 15944.  Arrangements in care of Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence.