Edyth Inez Routt West

Edyth Inez Routt West joined her beloved husband of 58 years, Calvin, on April 10, 2017, four days short of her 92nd birthday. She was born April 14, 1925, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, near Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. Edyth was the youngest of five children born to Lee and Josephine Adams Routt. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Susan Cruse, Robert Lee Routt, Maude Hawkins Lawless, and James B. Routt. Edyth spent her youth on the farm and was very active in 4-H club. She was honored as 4-H Club Girl of the Year for Kentucky in 1943. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1947 where she met and married her husband shortly after WWII. The Wests moved to the New Orleans area in 1971 after living in Indiana, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. She was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church in Metairie where she served as a Sunday School teacher for 40 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. As an avid gardener she shared flowers and vegetables with friends who knew her affectionately as “Mrs. Edie.” She enjoyed cooking and her recipes won several contests. The family guest book speaks of hospitality extended to many people who visited over the years from many states and several foreign countries. Edyth and Calvin enjoyed traveling, especially a trip to the Greek Isles, retracing the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. She was always very grateful God spared her home from much damage during Hurricane Katrina.

She is survived by four children: Susan Richardson (Dean), Dennis West, Daniel West (Susan), and Janie West. Also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Keith West (Jennifer), Ethan and Brett West; Neil West (Cori), Hayden, Allie, and Reagan West; Eric West (Leah), Addison West, Rebecca Richardson, and Claire Richardson. She is also survived by nieces and nephews who she has always considered as special treasures in her life.

The family is grateful for the love and concern of Mrs. Edie’s caregivers: Sylvia Taylor, Sadé Nimenibo, Debbie Ronquille, and Yvette Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers are grandsons and nephews. Visitation will be April 13, 2017 from noon until 2:00 pm with service immediately following at Memorial Baptist Church, 5701 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to Gideons International (www2.gideons.org), Maritime Ministries (portministry.com), or Memorial Baptist Church (mbc.metairie.org). Condolences may be offered online at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com