Ronald Ray West, 72, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at his home in Alliance, NE.
He was born on August 27, 1950, in Alliance, to Harry and Bertha (Retke) West. He attended school in Alliance and enlisted in the army at the age of 17.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, from September 30, 1968, until his Honorable Discharge on April 29, 1971. He then returned to Alliance and shortly thereafter began his employment with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Before his retirement in 2002, Ron was employed with BNSF for 32 years.
Ron was known for his great sense of humor, storytelling, quick-wit, and thoughtfulness. He was very fond of life in ways that he showed through his strong love of the outdoors, including gardening and planting flowers, and through his interest in original art and music. He always found the time to pick some of his flowers and put them in a beautiful vase, even if they weren’t for him. Ron was a lover of animals, and most recently spent many mornings feeding the birds and the squirrels.
He is survived by his four children, Sherri Dawn (West) Alvarado of Scottsbluff, NE; Ryan Ray West of Missoula, MT; Clint Wayne West of Alliance, NE; and Luxie Jo West of Alliance, NE; his grandchildren, Haley Alvarado, Karley Alvarado, Billi Alvarado, Raylon West, Sylvia West, and Harper West; and his great-granddaughter, Emmarie Champion. He is also survived by his sister and brothers, Carol (Bernard) Gasseling of Lincoln, NE; Gary (Barb) West of Hastings, MN; and Raymond West of Grand Island, NE; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Leroy and Billy who died infancy, and Dennis West, as well as his son-in-law, Billy Alvarado.
The celebration of his life and graveside services, including full military honors, will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, 2610 County Road 57, Alliance, NE.
The family wishes memorial contributions would be made to your local VFW, or the Alliance VFW Post 1517. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.