Deeanne West

DeeAnne West, 53, loving mother, partner, sister, aunt and friend passed away from cancer on October 30, 2023. Even though we knew she was fighting courageously, it was a shock that her time came so suddenly. DeeAnne was such a beloved part of the community. She was larger than life, hilarious with a sarcastic wit, and she loved to sing karaoke. DeeAnne was a proud member of VFW Auxiliary Post 3370 where she served as president of the women’s auxiliary for some time. DeeAnne was the Canteen manager from November 2011 to July 2023. Along with Turkey Tuesdays, memorial events and generous support to the Veterans of the Estancia Valley, since 2012, DeeAnne’s huge heart led her to organizing the children's Christmas party, making it a complete day with cookies, handmade crafts and a visit from Santa along with gifts that were donated. She also started fund raising in 2018-2021 for a 4th of July fireworks show. With the donated money, she and Brandon would match the amount to make the 4th of July display a spectacular evening. She volunteered so that veterans could continue to enjoy steak night at the VFW during the Covid shut down and cooked to go orders to benefit the post during the 1.5 year shut down. She was always willing to help out with whatever needed to be done with the Auxiliary. Michelle Dennison says “I remember her and I cooking Chicken fried steak dinners often. Before she got sick she would always make the gravy from scratch and the meal was always sold out”. Some of you may also know DeeAnne as The Circle K Lady. She worked/managed at the Moriarty location for 7 years. DeeAnne is survived by her daughter Adeeanna, her partner Brandon Couger, sisters, Dori Smith, Brenda Winner and her husband Mike, her brothers Albert Leyba and his wife Rose, Ed Leyba and his wife Cheryl, Tom Leyba and his wife Marilyn, her nephew Albert Smith, her niece Lori and her husband Joe Rajunas, Cody, Lacy, Lindsey, Cort, Leigha (West) Chad Roberts and more friends than we can count. DeeAnne was raised in Moriarty by her parents Dee and Tallboy West. She raised her son Klayton in Moriarty until he moved to Texas then to Oregon where he passed away in 2016. DeeAnne’s Celebration of Life will be held on her Birthday on March 12, 2024 to allow family and friends from out of town to make arrangements to travel. Details will be announced closer to that date.