Dorothy "Carolyn" West (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Dorothy “Carolyn” West, 81, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 27, 1944, in Bastrop, Louisiana, to Johnny Riels and Dorothy Fancher Riels. Carolyn loved Jesus and faithfully served alongside her husband, David, throughout his years in ministry as a pastor’s wife. Her life was marked by a servant’s heart, strong faith, and a deep love for her family.
Carolyn had a lifelong love of music. She began singing on a Sunday morning radio program as a child with her brother and sisters in a gospel group. That early start led to opportunities performing at the Louisiana Hayride, the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, and the Cowtown Hoe Down in Fort Worth, as well as working as a country background vocalist, before marrying and focusing on raising her family.
She is survived by her children, Sonja Frost and husband Sam of Oak Grove, Louisiana; Michael West and wife Ashley of Bruner, Missouri; and Kara Gean and husband Derek of Lebanon, Missouri; Brandy LeBurn Windsor of Lebanon, Missouri, who she and David loved as their own; grandchildren Scott Frost and wife Kyla of Oak Grove, Louisiana; Chris Frost, Alec Frost, and Mark Frost, all of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Timothy Frost of Phillipsburg, Missouri; Makayla West and Koltyn West of Bruner, Missouri; Jonathyn, Kaylee, Brayden, and Sawyer Gean of Lebanon, Missouri; and Brittany Williams of Lebanon, Missouri; great-grandchildren Kaleb and Rabbakah Frost of Oak Grove, Louisiana; her sister, Patricia Groves of Lebanon, Missouri; sister-in-law Joni Riels; David’s siblings, Carolyn West and Billy West, both of Arizona, and sister-in-law Elsie West of Arizona; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved Yorkie, Duke.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David William West; her parents, Johnny Riels and Dorothy Fancher Riels; her sister, Mary Riels; and her brother, John Wesley Riels.
The family also wishes to recognize her beloved caregiver, Kim Lord, who became like family to them and will always be considered a part of theirs.
A committal service will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holeman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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