Joan May West

Joan May West, 98, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 4:35 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Heartland Senior Living, Neoga, IL.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with David Arnold and Donald “Satch” Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shelbyville Community School District #4 for playground equipment at the new grade school. Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

Joan was born on May 9, 1928, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of John E. and Lourine (Sidwell) Chenoweth. She graduated from Argenta High School with the Class of 1946. After graduation, she studied nursing and met her future husband, Vernell West, and they were married on May 9, 1947. Together they shared 59 years of marriage. Joan was a great cook and her family always looked forward to her signature dish of beef and homemade noodles. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all have treasured memories of special one-on-one moments they enjoyed with grandma. Joan especially enjoyed giving each family member an ornament with monogramed initials. Joan began a girls 4-H group for the Lakewood area and served as leader for many years. She was a member of the Lakewood Community Church.

She is survived by her children, Roger West (Linda) of Shelbyville, IL, Tina West (daughter-in-law) of Lakewood, IL, Gail West (family friend, Beth Butler) of Marion, IL, and Lori Gronek (Dave) of Urbandale, IA; sister, Carol McCartney of Pittsfield, IL: grandchildren, Derek West (Lori), Jennifer West, Jeremy West (Courtney), Brooke Hammond (Jake), Mike Gronek (Nicole), Caleb West (Maria), Matt Gronek (Dani), and Rachel Steffen (Wyatt); and great grandchildren, Nadia and Sabrina Gronek, Reece, Bryce, and Zac West, Lincoln and Nolan Steffen, Myles, Amelia, and Whyatt Hammond, Rose and Miriam West, Hazel and June Adkins, and Jacob Gronek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernell West; son, Scott West, four brothers, Harold, Johnny, Michael, and Richard Chenoweth; two sisters, Doris Pagel and Vera Chenoweth; four sisters-in-law, Audrey West, Jacque Chenoweth, Joyce Chenoweth, and Thelma West; and three brothers -in-law, Herman Pagel, Lyle West, and Dale West.