Madge Marie West

Madge Marie West, 91, of Amarillo, TX died January 19, 2020.

Madge Marie Gebhart West was born at Gould, Oklahoma, to Cora and Willie Gebhart November 10, 1928.  She graduated from Louis Hill High School in the Gould school district in 1947 and later took courses at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas.  She married Claudie West in 1947, moving to Borger in 1954. In 1994, they moved to Amarillo.  Claudie and Madge had two children, Phillip, born in 1951, and Beth, in 1957.

Their life in Borger revolved around Claudie’s car sales business and building homes as an independent contractor.  Madge was a homemaker and Claudie’s bookkeeper, title clerk, file clerk, and house plan coordinator.  In her spare time, she was active in a Child Guidance Group, where she worked as president for 4 years.  Her full club life included serving as president of the Adelante Federated Women’s Club and Borger Federated Music Club.  Music was one of her joys: she was in the Music Club Chorus and sang with the Frank Phillips College Chorus.  While in the latter, she had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, one of the high points of her life.  She appeared in numerous local performances throughout the years, many happening during her 17 years with the Barbershop Belles. She also sang with her church Praise Team for several years.  Besides club work, she was a Cub Scout den leader, a Brownie Girl Scout leader, and was active in three bridge clubs.  In 1976, the Borger News-Herald praised her hospitality; those friends and family who visited the West’s home fully agree —Madge made you feel at home!

Madge was a life-long member of the Church of Christ and a Sunday School teacher.  She and Claudie were charter members of the Church of Christ at The Colonies, Amarillo, when it was begun in 2002.  Along with family, her church was one of the most important parts of her life.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and James (Ran) Pennington of Amarillo, TX, five grandchildren, Nikki West Roberson and husband, Ty, of Amarillo and David West, Janice Pennington of Amarillo, and Brad and Matthew West of New Braunfels, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Colby Hart, Hailey and Rhett Roberson and Lucas and Lily West; a sister, Billie Preston of Pasadena, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Claudie West, in 2016; her son, Phillip West, in November of 2019; also, her parents, Cora and Willie Gebhart, 2 brothers and 5 sisters.

Burial will be at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Borger, Texas. Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, January 23, 2020, at The Church of Christ at The Colonies, with Dick Marcear officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

15 Replies to “Madge Marie West”

  1. So sor for the family loss. My husband Eddie and I bought a car from Cladudie in Borger. I also know her grandson David. PRAYERS for PEACE AND COMFORT TO THE FAMILY.

    Eddie and and Deanna Malone

  2. I always enjoyed being around Madge when she lived in Borger. I worked on Adelante Club projects with her. We played a few rounds of bridge together over the years. She was a loving, caring person. I’m thankful for the friendship.

  3. Mrs. West was a gentle soul, especially toward two teenage girls that were always up to something. As Beth’s friend, I’ll never forget Madge’s hospitality in making their home, my home. She invited me into her kitchen many times to make something good! She taught me how to make the best lemon pie! I continue to use that recipe, “Madge West’s Best Lemon Pie.” I will always remember her sweet soul.

  4. What a dear, sweet lady! I keep wanting to pick up the phone and talk, laugh, and share moments of our lives with her. It’s difficult for me to realize that those days are over. Heaven gained another singing angel.

  5. We always enjoyed the times we worshipped with Claudia and Madge. She and I were in the Frank Phillips Community Choir together. When we went to NY with the choir we spent time together seeing the sites. She was always such a wonderful person to be around.

  6. I remember Madge from church. She and my mother were friends and I remember them sharing recipes. She was one of the sweetest most soft spoken I have ever known.

  7. I am so very sorry for your loss. Madge was such a dynamic person, and was good to my mom. I hope she, Claudie, Mildred, Ed, and my parents are enjoying a big laugh and telling stories. It’s hard to believe they are all gone. Prayers of comfort for your family. Love always.

  8. Madge — a woman filled with wisdom and the Lord. I’m so blessed to have known her. I went to her when I had a problem and I went to her when she had a problem. Either way we ended up lifting each other up. We talked for hours and always laughed at each other. She lived her life to the fullest. She was a generous person and wanted to help everyone who came her way. I will miss her and our long talks.

  9. Madge was the sweet and gracious mother of Beth and Phillip , dear friends of mine. She . was full of grace, hospitality and joy.! Every encounter with Madge was a sweet moment in time! Her heart of gold may be still but her joy which was always present and her gracious nature are precious gems in the hearts and souls of all the many people whose lives were blessed by her presence in each and every moment shared.

  10. Sweet Madge. Always smiling and laughing; often at herself! Full of stories that usually left me laughing right along with her. She was telling those stories of her adventurous (and sometimes mischievous!) life even in her last days. Yes – Spitfire fit her perfectly! I miss my dear friend already, but I smile knowing she is singing with the heavenly chorus.

  11. Madge was a wonderful Christian woman. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She was always cheerful; and, very interesting to talk with.
    I will miss her but know she has now gone home.

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