Rolene West, 75

Rolene Kay (Morgan) West, age 75, of Colon, passed away on September 8, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Rolene was born on October 9, 1947, to Ronald and Ruth (Hanson) Morgan in Hillsdale. Rolene graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1966. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Rolene went on to study nursing at Ferris State University and began her nursing career at Hillsdale Hospital. Rolene joined Sturgis Hospital in 1972, where she worked in the Emergency Room for several years before moving to The Doctor’s Office, also located in Sturgis, where she retired from nursing after over 30 years of service.

Rolene married the love of her life, Patrick West on April 4, 1975, in Mobile, AL. The couple shared 48 years of marriage, most of which was spent in White Pigeon where they raised their twin daughters and three stepchildren. While in White Pigeon, Rolene’s dedication to serving others carried over as she became the ultimate coach’s wife. From preparing meals for the team, hosting after-game parties for parents and coaches, or leading the cheering section from the stands with her partner in crime, Marie Schneider, Rolene was all in. Her enthusiastic presence in the stands and passion for all things “Chiefs” remains legendary.

Undoubtedly, Rolene’s number one hobby was loving and supporting her seven grandchildren. She attended hundreds of sporting events, band concerts, and activities where she was their number one fan. Rolene was a devoted Michigan Wolverine. As season ticket holders, she and Pat enjoyed attending football games at The Big House. Rolene also enjoyed staying connected with her friends and extended family through social media and by playing Words with Friends.

Rolene was predeceased in death by her parents, Ronald and Ruth Morgan, and her nephew, Christy Carducci. She is survived by her loving husband, Patrick West of Colon; daughters Susan (Joe) Reynolds {Jacob and Sam} of Three Rivers, and Shelly (Jason) McBride {Jaylee and Ellie} of White Pigeon; stepchildren Robin West {Matthew} of Colon, Mike (Sue) West of Waukesha, WI and Heidi (Dan) Roof {Danielle and Gabe} of Grand Blanc, MI; siblings Ronald (Carol) Morgan of Charlotte, NC and Rainelle (Ralph) Carducci of Monroe, MI; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Rolene’s dear friend, Trulane Smith (Aunt Tru), for her friendship and care throughout the years.

The family will welcome visitors at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A morning visitation will take place at Farrand Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00. Inurnment will occur immediately following at the White Pigeon Township Cemetery. All are invited to a fellowship luncheon at the White Pigeon United Methodist Church. Memorial donations in memory of Rolene may be made to the Lyndsay Sharp Bingaman Nursing Scholarship at the funeral home.