Mildred West

Mildred Josephine Becker West, 88, passed away January 24, 2014. She was born March 28, 1925, to Alvin and Ina Malina Becker in Taft, Texas. After graduation, Mildred moved to Levelland, Texas, where she met her soul mate, R.N. (Buddy) West. They married at Grace Lutheran Church in Sinton, Texas, on February 9, 1947. They returned to Taft where they lived the rest of their married lives.

Mildred’s greatest joys were her family, church and town. She was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church. Mildred served the Lord as a devoted Sunday School teacher and Superintendent for over fifty years at Grace Lutheran and Faith Lutheran Church. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of the Junior Woman’s Club and later volunteered at Taft Blackland Museum. Mildred, an avid reader, loved working as the high school librarian for many years. She also worked alongside her husband and sons at Texaco Consignee. Mildred loved sports and was very supportive of her sons’ athletic endeavors. She was a great friend to many and will be sorely missed.

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, Buddy; her brothers, Milton Becker and Alvin Becker, Jr.; and her sister, Thelma Bayless.

Mildred is survived by her three sons, Rick (Carolyn) of Flatonia, Texas, Robert “Bubba” (Juana) and Mitchell both of Taft; eleven grandchildren who knew her as “MawMaw”; thirteen great grandchildren; a sister, Patsy McNamee of Taft; a brother, Franklin “Buster” Becker of McKinney, Texas; two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews who fondly called her “Aunt Mimi”. Memorial gifts may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Taft Public Library or Taft Blackland Museum.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, from 4:00p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at The Palms Memorial Gardens, Portland.

The Family would like to extend their thanks for the many years of love and care shown to Mildred by the nurses and staff of Mission Ridge Nursing and Rehab in Refugio along with her hospice staff. Condolences may be offered at www.colonialfuneralhometaft.com.