Connie Jean West (79) passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in the comfort of her own home in Fort Wayne, Indiana after suffering from COPD for several years. She was born on September 6, 1945, in Grand Island, Nebraska to the late Max Junior Gonge and Beuna June (Lawson) Gonge. Connie was preceded in death by her son, Craig Shepherd who passed in 2020. She is survived by her two sons, Mark (Cheri) Shepherd and Marty (Callie) Shepherd, both of Wayland, Michigan. She was the proud grandma of grandchildren Riley, Jory, Garret, and Gavin Shepherd. She attended St. Joe Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana and had a church family she adored. The family would like to thank her group of friends that were always so helpful and kind to their mother. Cremation has occurred and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
