Joyce Arliss West

Joyce A. West, also known as Jo, passed away on October 21, 2023, in Pueblo, CO, at the age of 93. She was born on July 23, 1930, in Madison, Nebraska, to Fred and Clara Patzel.

Jo moved to Colorado in 1942 and attended Fort Collins High School, where she met the love of her life, Wesley West. They married in August of 1948 and settled in Fowler, CO, where Jo was a devoted stay-at-home mother to their two daughters and several foster children.

In 1966, they returned to Fort Collins and resided in the home that Wesley had built.

Throughout Wesley's career, Jo traveled with him and cherished the time spent together. When she wasn't traveling, Jo dedicated herself to her grandchildren, filling their lives with love, laughter, and support. She found joy in attending all their school activities, games, and concerts. Even after her grandchildren grew up, Jo continued to care for her great-grandchildren by taking them to school, movies, and hosting sleepovers. Her nurturing nature and selflessness ensured that everyone around her felt loved and cared for.

Jo valued her friendships dearly, enjoying Thursday lunches with her high school friends and attending reunions with her best friend, Jean.
She had a strong faith in the Lord and found comfort in attending the 10 am service at Timberline Church, particularly relishing services led by Pastor Dary Northrop.

She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Higby of Pueblo, CO, and Vicki West Evenson of Red Feather Lakes, CO. Jo leaves behind three grandchildren, Michael Blackford, Keli Jo Olson (Skip), and Kodi Charvat (Julie), as well as five great-grandchildren, James Steffen, Miranda Montono, Kailyn Cisneros, Kamryn Olson, and Karlie Lynch Blackford. Additionally, she is survived by five great-great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Jo was a godmother to Erin Carlson and had a special bond with her extended family, including brother-in-law Johnny West, sister-in-law Donna West, son in law Leslie C Charvat Jr, and her lifelong friend, S. Jean Charvat.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Clara Patzel, her beloved husband Wesley West, seven siblings, Ronnie, Darlene, Kenneth, Dorothy, Jerry, Patricia, and Phyllis, and her granddaughter, Shelly. In her free time, Jo and Wesley enjoyed traveling the United States until his retirement. She had an incredible green thumb and was an avid gardener. Her love for plants and gardening was evident in her beautiful and flourishing garden.

A viewing will be held 12-4pm Friday, October 27, 2023 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, CO. Graveside Service will be held 1pm, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Grandview Cemetery. Details about the Celebration of Life are pending.