SAN ANGELO Nancy Patricia "Pat" West, 76, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, in Shannon Medical Center. She was born Aug. 21, 1938, in Pearl, Texas, to William Arthur and Gussie Pearl Cox. During her early years she attended school in multiple locations throughout Texas and Kansas as her father worked as a steel worker in various locations. Her family relocated to San Angelo during her high school years and she graduated from San Angelo High School in 1956. She later studied accounting and graduated from San Angelo Business College. She married Willard West in June 1960 and lived in San Antonio, Texas City and Lubbock before relocating back to San Angelo. She worked in the administration building of SAISD for several years before joining Pool Well Services. She worked at Pool until her retirement in 2003. Nancy "Pat" was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters, Sibyl Bean, Juanita (Myra) Gotcher, Virginia ?Ginny' Stockman and Carolyn Cox. She leaves behind many to cherish her memory her children, Ramona and K.C. Hasty, Suzie West, Mason and Jennifer West; special nephew Mark and Amber Cox; grandchildren Michael, Jacob and Kathryn Hasty, Reagan and Jarrett Greer, Zach, Luke and Bailee West, Chelsea and Matt Hughes and Katy Grace, Marshall, Rachel and Mason Cox; great-grandson Jack Greer; brother Dave ?Bud' Cox; sisters and brothers-in-law J.T. and Shirley Hinson, Jimmy and Dru Gallemore and Faye Perkins; numerous nephews and nieces; best friends Elaine Baxter and Billie Smith; special friends Roland and Cheryl Howard, Tom and Carolyn Purkiss, and Rhonda Nixon; and furry little friend Charlie. Nancy "Pat" had a warm, loving spirit, was kind, easy-going, fun-loving, unpretentious and forgiving. Through her patience, kindness, and encouraging attitude, she had a knack for making everyone feel special, and was a positive presence in so many lives. She extended her love beyond her immediate family, providing comfort and guidance to numerous nephews, nieces and friends of the family. She was a life-long reader and learner, spending numerous hours a day reading about history and nature, while also enjoying fiction and staying on top of current events. Later in life, she had developed a passion for genealogy, spending countless hours learning about her heritage. She liked antiquing, estate sales and travelling with her friends, enjoying her many trips exploring the Hill Country of Texas, as well as the south and northeast United States. She was also very active in her church and loved the many friends she had made there. She learned to sew at an early age and became a skilled seamstress. While she had often made her own clothes, she especially liked making items for her friends and family, such as nursery bedding, curtains and Halloween costumes. She was most proud of the beautiful wedding and prom dresses she made for her granddaughters. Above all, she loved her family. Reunions were one of her favorite events and she was so happy she was able to attend her last one a week ago, seeing her numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Her life revolved around her kids and grandchildren, attending all of their birthdays, sporting events, graduations, recitals, and other important events. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, for which she spent the entire year budgeting and planning to ensure everyone received a personalized gift. Her fudge, peanut brittle, ?trash' and cinnamon candy will all be missed. She still had so many plans and was especially looking forward to spending time with her great grandson Jack who arrived only a month ago. She was so active and independent that those around her were often surprised to know her true age, and her quick passing is a shock to us all. But she was blessed to have been so healthy and active throughout her life and was truly grateful for the wonderful life she had. While she was never rich in a material sense, she built a fortune in love and goodwill among her family and many friends. While there are many heavy hearts today, and she will be forever missed, she leaves behind a great legacy of love and kindness that will be carried forward by those that knew and loved her. Open visitation will begin Tuesday at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral service is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at Lake View Bible Church with Pastor Scooter McCurdy officiating. Burial will follow the service in Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo. Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at johnsons-funeralhome.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/go…

On August 20, 2014 Heaven gained an angel with both a voice and a heart of gold.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday August 26, 2014 at Sierra Vista Methodist Church with Rev. Steven Sweet, officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Rita Diane Cline was born August 7, 1958 to Richard “Dick” and Dorotha Cline in Midland, Texas. The fifth of seven children in a hard-working family, Rita learned early the importance of finding her place to shine and serve.

Rita’s place to shine was in front of a church, singing. Many churches have been blessed by the beauty of her voice and the strength and confidence with which she lifted her praises
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After attending high school in Dumas, Texas and Ankeny, Iowa, Rita earned a degree in nursing from New Mexico Junior College and became a Registered Nurse. To Rita, nursing was never a profession - it was a calling. She had a gift for working with the elderly. Her fun spirit and genuine heart helped patients and their families know that they were in good hands. Rita did not quit caring when her shift was over. She spent many of her off hours and holidays singing at the nursing homes and hospitals where she worked and many of her Hospice patients were soothed by her voice as she provided their daily care or sat with them just a little longer. Rita served as a telemetry nurse, ICU nurse, director of nursing, nursing home director, state inspector of nursing homes, and hospice director during her 30 year career as an RN.

In 1984, Rita became the proud mom of twins, James Aaron and Amber Marie Wade. They quickly became the center of her world. As a single mother, Rita was determined to provide her children with every advantage that she could, encouraging them to participate in scouts, sports, music, and other programs in the community even if it meant working multiple jobs to afford the experiences. She also made sure that they knew they were loved by being a constant presence in their lives. Whether yelling silly nicknames to her son while he competed in swim meets or singing along from the audience at her daughter’s choir concerts, leading scout meetings, or chaperoning youth trips, she made sure that they knew their mother’s love would never falter. Her pride continued past their school days and any conversation with Rita always included the phrase “my son, the medic” or “my beautiful daughter.” She was truly not just Mom, she was their biggest fan. 

In 1999, Rita was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As a nurse, she knew what the disease was capable of and was determined to fight it with everything she had. The disease took many things away from her, including her ability to sing the hymns she loved and to work as a nurse. When these roles were taken from her, Rita became a voice in the push for MS research. She advocated for other MS patients and used her knowledge of the medical field to encourage and help others struggling with the disease. She was chosen as a representative to lobby the Texas Legislature to show the impact MS can have on a person and to lobby for insurance and disability improvements for those with MS. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Richard D. and Dorotha M. Cline and her brother, Richard A. Cline

Rita is survived by her children: Sergeant James Aaron Wade, US Army and Amber Wade Shedd and husband Dan of Houston. Brothers: Mike and Cindy Cline of Springfield, Mo, Ken and Angie Cline of Llano, TX, and Ron Cline of Paint Rock. Sisters: Teresa and Lyle Pfannenstiel of Udall, KS and Dedee Cline of San Angelo. Rita also leaves behind seventeen nieces and nephews and nineteen great nieces and nephews who she adored.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Rita’s name. Information on how to donate can be located at www.nationalmssociety/donate .

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