Florence Gleason (Dovey) West

Florence Gleason (Dovey) West passed into heaven on November 16th, 2018, while in Memory Care in Indianapolis. She was 89. Dovey was born in 1929 to Grace M. and Charles F. Gleason of Erie, Pennsylvania. After the family moved to Indianapolis in 1940, Dovey graduated Shortridge High School in 1947, then majored in speech and English at Indiana University where she played leading roles in several drama productions. She had quite an active social life in Chi Omega sorority, and was voted Junior Prom Queen and crowned by band leader Tommy Dorsey. Dovey forwent a broadcasting/theater career in New York City to marry Richard A. (Dick) West in 1952 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Dick soon became president of his father's business, West Baking Company, and Dove began a long and fruitful "career" as a devoted helpmate to a busy husband - for 64 years. Dick and Dove raised four children, giving them much love, skill, and grace - never seeking recognition and happy in her 'support role'. Dozens of family members and friends benefited from her compassion, sense of humor, faith, and gentle spirit. Dovey received Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at age 6, and has trusted Him to lead her ever since. She provided countless acts of love and service, visiting the sick, the elderly, and shut-ins, bringing food, homemade flower bouquets, and encouragement to many. She also befriended young students at Indiana School for the Blind, bringing many home for meals and holiday gatherings - and a few remained lifelong friends. In community service, Dove served in such venues as the Indianapolis Symphony, Junior League, and Stansfield Circle, a docent (tour guide) at the Indianapolis Art Museum, and volunteer Chaplain at Methodist Hospital. She also became a Director (board member) of charitable foundations, The West Foundation and Westwood Endowment. For downtime, she enjoyed reading, sketching, calligraphy, and writing poetry. Dovey loved music and sang in productions with IU drama, Lambs Club of Indianapolis, church services, and even in her kitchen! She loved cooking for others, spreading joy via "bringing people together" in her home. God has rewarded Dovey with his gift of Eternal Life, in our heavenly home with all fellow believers! Dove was preceded in death by brother Chuck Gleason, husband Dick, and son Brad - and is survived by sons Hal and Mike West, daughter Deborah Davis, plus 8 grandkids, 6 great grandkids, and extended family. A service will be held at 2:15 p.m., on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E 34th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, with visitation from noon. Arrangements: Crown Hill Funeral Home.