Margaret "Peg" West

Margaret Ruth Shultz “Peg” West was born December 9, 1924 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Harold and Vivian (Kelley) Shultz. She passed away on July 1, 2014 in Lubbock, Texas following an illness. Peg was raised in Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque High School, graduating in 1943. She then attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, California where she received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising. She returned home to Albuquerque and it was here that she met and fell in love with Sidney “Red” West who came to Albuquerque to sell West Melons. Red had recently returned from serving in the U.S. Marines, on Iwo Jima, during World War II. It was a match made for keeps, Peg and Sidney “Red” West were married October 7, 1947 in Albuquerque, a marriage that would last sixty-seven years. They made their home in the Fort Sumner valley in 1947 in a two story farmhouse located at the end of Real Wind Drive, where they farmed for many years. Peg was infamous for painting and moving things, even walls that were important to structure. Red and Peg worked side by side to make a home for themselves in the valley and eventually built the Bosque Redondo Lake (Slough). Following the sale of the lake to the state of NM for public use Red and Peg purchased a ranch northeast of Fort Sumner where they made their home. Peg worked at the De Baca County Assessors Office with Ward Drake, the County Extension service and worked fifteen years for the De Baca County News. She told fun stories about setting type and printing the local news. Peg’s greatest joy came by special delivery on St. Patrick’s Day 1964, she and Red adopted William Woodrow West and five days later brought him home to Ft. Sumner as their own. Her eyes always had a sparkle but it was always much brighter when Bill was involved. She had waited a long time for a child of her own and never wasted a moment with him a devout mother and caregiver. She taught Bill by daily example to be the same type of parent to his children and caregiver for his mother in her final years as she had cared for her mother and Aunt in their final years as well. Peg and Bill had a very special bond and confidence that will be sorely missed. In 1988, she became a grandmother, aka Nana to the first of four grandsons who were her pride and joy, serving as a gentle guide to being strong men of solid faith and work ethic. Never a harsh word was needed just a gentle touch and the thought that one would disappoint their Nana was that she needed to control this bunch of rowdy boys. Although she claimed to be overwhelmed with them all at once she was always willing to spend time teaching and showing the wonders of a life in agriculture. She shared her love for many dogs, horses, calves and even a bird through the years with her grandsons. It didn’t matter what the boys brought her over the years to “fix” she was always willing whether it was a small hatchling fallen from a nest, a sticker or thorn to pull, or later something they had hunted to cook, Nana was always willing and ready. Although she was always worried she would not live to see her grandsons graduate she made it to all 4 High School graduations and 3 college graduations. She was always tougher than she looked being so delicate in stature. Although her latest blessing has come from being a great grandmother to Carson Ross West, in August 2013, and Chloe Grace in April 2013 who she’d hope to meet someday soon. Carson enjoys spending time with Nana and Grandad at the Heartland House in Lubbock when their failing health moved them out of Ft. Sumner. Of course everything Carson did put a smile on his Nana’s face. He has provided hours of enjoyment as they had to leave the ranch in Fort Sumner but in exchange for time with Carson Ross as Grandad calls his namesake. In addition to her family, Peg enjoyed cooking and is very fondly remembered for being very good at it. A “Nana birthday cake” was always the highlight of her family’s celebrations. No one has quite mastered her special chocolate cake according to some. Peg’s love of sewing and attention to detail and style made her a natural for the fashion merchandising degree she earned in 1943. She could make a patch on a pair of old work pants look good or when creating a special quilt for a love one. It is somewhat ironic that her talents with a needle would be lost on a bunch of boys to dress. Peg was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner and had a solid faith in the Lord our savior. She not only believed but also lived her life as an example to others. There will forever be a hole in the hearts of those who knew this angel as she passed from earth peacefully into Jesus loving arms. Her parents, Harold and Vivian Shultz, preceded Peg in death. Survivors include Sidney "Red" West her husband of 67 years of Fort Sumner, NM, her son William Woodrow West and wife Sherrie of Fort Sumner NM, four grandsons: Matthew West and wife Toni of Slaton, TX, Jacob West of Artesia, NM, Caleb West and Adam West of Canyon, Texas, and one great grandson Carson Ross West of Slaton, Texas, and one great granddaughter, Chloe Grace of Glendora, California. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner, New Mexico at 11am, Saturday, July 5, 2014 with Rev. Mike Stahl officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers include her four grandsons, Matthew, Jacob, Caleb and Adam West, as well as two special nephews, Zachary and Reed Kenyon along with Clifford Kenyon. Honorary pallbearers include her many nieces and nephews from the West, Holland and Whittington families. The family requests memorial contributions in Peg’s memory to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119. Visitation hours will be Friday from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com