Beatrice Eloise West, 101, was born Sept. 26, 1905, near Mandan, N.D., at the farm home of her parents, Grace Medora (Welch) and Julius Roos (Rose). Holding her granddaughters hand, she left her earthly home on Aug. 5, 2007, at Hayden Lake, Idaho.
She graduated from Mandan High School in 1924, then continued her studies at the Normal School in Dickinson, N.D., and State Teachers College at Valley City, N.D., which prepared her to teach in one-room country schools. She taught at New Salem, N.D., and at Fort Rice, N.D. Later, taking courses in bookkeeping and stenography, she began a career as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was employed at the Farmers State Bank, Mandan during the 1930s. Bea still wrote notes in shorthand in her 90s. She was a professional music whistler for many social functions.
Beatrice Rose married Omer Ralph West of Sweet Briar, N.D., on June 24, 1927, at Mclntosh, S.D. When the U.S. Army, Battery A, 199th Field Artillery was called to action in 1941, Omer was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and the family moved to Bellingham, Wash., in 1942. Bea was employed by various legal and accounting firms. From 1947 to 1995 she owned and managed apartments which offered many college students affordable rent. She moved to Coeur dAlene, Idaho, in 1995 to be near family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Omer, in 1981.
Those who loved her most are daughters and husbands, Yvonne (Bonnie) and Ned Carrick, of Snohomish, Wash., and Ione and Harry Perry, of Rathdrum, Idaho; her six grandchildren and spouses are Bruce (Roberta) Carrick, of Tokyo, Japan; Maureen (Bob) Kelley, of Everett, Wash.; Karin (Don) Stoltz, of Marysville, Wash.; Kendon (Judy) Perry, of Sandpoint, ED; Dale (Carol) Perry, of Barcelona, Spain; Diane (Steve) Turner, of Hayden Lake, Idaho; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
This strong pioneer womans descendents span the world living in Spain, Japan, Niger, Canada and the states of Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Michigan. Bea also is survived by cousins, Marilyn Welch, David James and Linda Welch and Carol Ann and Joe Shannon.
Beas family legacy is to value home-ownership, education and a strong work ethic. She gave us an inspiration of strength, patience and love.
A Celebration of Life was held graveside at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, Wash.; viewing was at 10 a.m. in the chapel.
The family requests that no flowers be sent. Memorials to Hospice of North Idaho Hospice House 9493 N Government Way, Hayden Lake, ID 83835. Please visit Beas online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.