Marlene E. West

Marlene West March 12, 1936 – April 2, 2025

Marlene West (nee Toepfer), a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved aunt, cousin, and dear friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Born on March 12, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Marlene spent her life dedicated to caring for others. She was the beloved wife of the late Don West, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished traditions, including their trips to Las Vegas, Florida, and Lake Cumberland. They also loved hosting parties and holiday gatherings, bringing family and friends together to celebrate.

She is survived by her children: Gary (Barb) West, Terry (Lisa) West, and Shari (the late Steve) Etris. Marlene was a proud and loving grandmother to Jameson West (Heather Barlow), Tami West, Cameron Etris (Jen Miller), Jamie-Le (Brandon) Brenneman, Nicole (Jeff) Caudill, Marisa (Karly) Wise, and Tara (Kolton) Wagner. Her legacy continues through her adored great-grandchildren: Axel Caudill, Cora Etris, Annie Caudill, and Irene West.

Marlene dedicated her life to helping others, first as a nurse at The Christ Hospital, then Hillebrand Nursing Home. Later, as a school nurse in the Oak Hills School District, she provided comfort and care to countless students. A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime parishioner at Pilgrim United Church of Christ. She was also a generous and charitable woman, always looking for ways to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Her ministries continued to serve the community through the Giving Tree at church and the Thanksgiving baskets at the schools.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—knitting, gardening, baking, and indulging in her famously sweet tooth. She never met a sweet she didn’t like. Her warmth and generosity extended beyond her immediate family, as she was a beloved aunt, cousin, and friend who brought people together with her kindness and welcoming spirit.

Marlene’s family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with Don, sharing a bowl of Graeter’s caramel ice cream and watching over them with love.

Family and friends are invited to honor Marlene’s life at a visitation on Sunday, April 6, from 3:00-5:00 PM at B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home, 5864 Bridgetown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45248. The Nurses Honor Guard will present a tribute at the end of the visitation. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 7, at 10:00 AM at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 4418 Bridgetown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45211, followed by burial at Bridgetown Cemetery, 4337 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Christ College of Nursing, 2139 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219, or online at www.TheChristCollege.edu/give, or to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263, or online at https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate/.

She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts.

Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com