Susan Gail West

Susan Gail West, 70, of Independence, MO went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 5, 2026. Susan was born December 30, 1955 to James Holsworth and Elizabeth Highfill.

Susan graduated from William Chrisman in 1974. She began working as a teenager babysitting neighbors’ children, working at Resthaven, Independence Sanitarium & Hospital, the Neurological Clinic, Ryval, and Knit-Rite. Susan had an in-home daycare for 41 years taking care of hundreds of children. She was a member of the RLDS church. Susan was a Sunday school teacher at West College Congregation, a Skylark and Oriole leader, along with being a Cub Scout and Webelos leader for Troop 203. She had been a basketball and volleyball coach at the elementary and junior high level. She enjoyed being a member of the Wm Chrisman music boosters and working the concession stands. Susan enjoyed watching her children play sports and later watching her grandchildren. She was an avid garage sale, bin, and thrift store enthusiast. Susan loved decorating for every holiday, both inside and outside. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, neighbors, and friends.

Susan married Larry West on July 1, 1978; they were blissfully married for almost 48 years. Her survivors include husband Larry of the home, daughter Rachel Smith (Juston), son Mitchell West (Ginger), grandchildren Aiden Smith, Jake West, Eli West, and Ashlyn Smith all of Independence, brother Timothy Holsworth (Independence), sister Sherri Campbell (Corpus Christi), and many nieces and nephews, and all the “adopted grandchildren”. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers James Michael (Mike) Holsworth and Howard (Bruce) Holsworth, and sister Deborah Rom.

Visitation will be held at Carson-Speaks Funeral home on Friday June 12, 2026 from 4-6pm with the service immediately following.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)