Barbara “Barb” J. West (née Reid), 87, of O’Fallon, IL, born on March 24, 1939, in Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.
Barbara grew up in Traverse City (TC), MI, where she graduated from TC Central High School, and then attended Northwestern Community College. Barb worked in the local airport restaurant as a waitress in her teens, wherein she met the love of her life, Grover “Frankie” West. She was charmed by his looks and ultimately succumbed to his repetitive tips of 1 cent each, stating that he was “saving for their wedding.” Grover ultimately proposed to Barb up the road from her parent’s house aside a cherry orchard, and swept her off her feet to Long Island, New York, where he was stationed in the Air Force at the time. The two began their family and 59 years together, welcoming three children along the way. Aside from New York, their journey in the service included destinations such as Japan, Texas, Wyoming, and Illinois (Scott AFB). Since Grover was an avid gun collector, Barb would often reference her proudly displayed “wooden guns” she had brought home from Japan and displayed them above all of his in the gun cabinet. Barb’s 35 years of Civil Service were aboard Scott AFB, which was also where Grover finished out his Air Force career of 26 years. In retirement, Barb adored donating her time at the local food pantry and Rummage Sale for O’Fallon. Barb always held TC close to her heart, taking pride in Michigan sweet cherries that her and Grover would bring to share with their coworkers at the base.
Barb enjoyed painting ceramics, upholstery projects, playing piano (in her younger years) and sewing. She had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed traveling with Grover and friends for hunting and camping, where Barb’s patience was continuously tested when the “boys” would play pranks on the women. Barb and Grover loved gardening and canning, and passed down favorite recipes, including microwave pickles. Barb took pride in her flowers, especially Hydrangeas and Peonies, that amplified the front of their house, along with a giant Magnolia tree that came from Georgia (Grover’s home state). Barb would socialize with anyone and everyone. She loved sports (University of Michigan and the Kansas City Chiefs) and enjoyed attending sports events at O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS). She was a huge fan of the OTHS marching band. She also loved having dogs in her family. mainly Basset Hounds. Most of all, she loved her grandkids and played the part of Grandma to a tee. Barb was described as a resilient mom/grandma/sister/friend. She was a breast cancer survivor, ringing the bell not all get to ring.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Minnie Reid (née Franklin); her beloved husband, Grover F. West; and two sons, David M. West and Donald G. West.
Left to cherish Barbara’s memory are her daughter, Debra (West) Monroe of Traverse City, MI; three siblings, Michael (Carmen) Reid of Traverse City, MI, Bill (Cheryl) Reid of Traverse City, MI, Pat (Tom) Brzezinski of Traverse City, MI; four grandchildren, Travis (Andrea) Yates, Matthew (Stephanie) Monroe, Michael Monroe, Marlee (Jake) Lamb; and eight great-grandchildren, Noah, Evan, Merrick, and Aleksi Yates, Braylon, Hayden, Brycen, Kylan Monroe and extended relatives.
Memorials may be made in Barbara’s honor to the O’Fallon Food Pantry; https://ofallonfoodpantry.org/Donate. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A visitation will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., with a service from 3:00 p.m. – 4pm., at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269.
A private graveside service will follow.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
