Obituary of Evelyn Jean West

Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Evelyn was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 3, 1936 and entered into heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 23, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was the 2nd child of three children born to Pearl and David West. Evelyn, (mom, gram, sister) is lovingly missed and survived by her son, David Andrus and her cherished daughter, Elaine Andrus, both of Tacoma. She is also survived by her prized grandchildren, Karsten Andrus of Tacoma and Heidi Andrus of Oregon, her precious great-grandchildren: Lynndaya Marie Alston and Jaclyn April Violet Henderson, both of Tacoma, and Jonathan and Heidi Scoggins, of Oregon. Evelyn is also survived by her treasured sister, Marlene Burnett, of Tacoma, and her brother, Donald West of Hastings, Nebraska. She also has many neices and nephews scattered across the country. Evelyn graduated nursing school as an LPN, and worked for Tacoma General for 28 years. She worked in several areas of the hospital, but her favorite were the many years she spent working in the nursery. She loved taking care of the babies. Being in the nursery allowed her to impart love to each little life she came into contact with. After Evelyn retired from Tacoma General Hospital, she worked at Cottesmore Nursing Home in Gig Harbor, WA. She had a heart for the residents she served. After about 2 years she retired again. With a true servant heart she became care taker to her ex-husband, Robert W. Andrus, after he suffered a heart attack and a stroke. The stroke left him unable to be on his own. Mom provided all of his care for 13 years. She was truly a saint! Evelyn's most important thing in her life was her relationship and her love for Jesus. Mom was a shining example of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Through her smile and loving eyes Evelyn brought Christ's love & compassion into our world. Evelyn's children were the light of her life. Her goal as a mother was to make sure her children and grandchildren knew how very much she loved them, and she did! She was always there to listen, to hug, and offer words of support and encouragement. She was the best hugger! She was so much fun to be around!! We always had a good time together. She was funny and very fiesty, in a good way of course. Even growing up, she was loved by all of her children's friends. She was a second mom to many of them. Especially to Terri McDowell, she was both mom and friend. Mom adored her! Her grandchildren were her heart. Karsten, Heidi, Daya, Jackie, Jonathan, and Heidi; gram loved you so so much, and she knew how much all of you loved her. Never doubt that! Each one of you have brought her so much joy. She loved you the minute she knew you were on the way, and could not wait to meet you. Gram you are deeply missed and through your tender example, we are blessed with your legacy to carry on. I will always miss my mom and best friend, until I see her again in Heaven. She was always there for me, listening, loving, laughing, crying, with me and for me. We were there for each other and I know she loved me with all of her heart. Evelyn is preceeded in death by Robert Andrus, of TacomaA celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 1pm at her church, Temple Baptist Church at 1108 Columbia AV, Fircrest, WA..