Wanda Darlene West
Wanda Darlene West, of Beaverton, Michigan passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, 2025. She was born on Feb. 29, 1936, in Farwell to Avery and Lydia (Reynolds) Barber.
On May 29, 1956, she married her faithful and devoted husband, Gene (Bud) West, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter and faith.
Together they raised four children: Cathy (Tim) Schulert of Muncie, IN; Kelley (Tim) Rettger of Oakland, MI; Jeffrey (Juli) West of Beaverton, MI and Dina (Rick) Stewart of Traverse City, MI.
Wanda was the proud grandmother of Kristin Rettger, Jordan Schulert, Morgan (Stewart) Heffner, Jonathan Madrigal, Justin Rettger, Jenna (Schulert) Price, Whitney (Stewart) Albacete, Allison (Schulert) Maus, Brendon West, Eric West, and Liliya Rettger; and the great grandmother of 14 beloved great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Jane West; and her parents, Avery and Lydia; as well as seven brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by two brothers and two sisters who will miss her dearly.
To know Wanda was to know her love for Jesus.
She had a heart for people and shared her faith with everyone. Hymns filled the house, whether played on the radio or being hummed by Wanda. She talked often of wanting to be with the Lord and prayed that her family would know Him too.
Wanda was a faithful member of Beaverton Baptist Church. She loved children and served in VBS and Awana Clubs at her church. Children were drawn to her, particularly those in need. She was a safe place for them, and she loved them.
Wanda had a heart as big as her smile. Her home was always open whether to family, friends or strangers who soon became friends. She found deep joy in giving to others and prayed diligently for her children and grandchildren. Wanda enjoyed cooking, baking, birdwatching, puzzles and pontoon rides on the lake, and she had a playful way of teasing those around her that always brought laughter.
Above all, Wanda loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was a faithful wife to the end, a devoted mother and a steadfast woman of grace and warmth who touched the lives of everyone she met.
Her faith, love and hospitality will live on in all of us. Funeral services took place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, 11 a.m., at Beaverton Baptist Church. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Visitation was also held on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 from 3-6 p.m. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Beaverton. She was laid to rest at Dale Cemetery in Beaverton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) Mission Agency.
Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome. com.