Anna Alvena West

Anna Alvena (Brown) West, went to Heaven on September 28, 2025, to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Anna had resided at Via Christi Village, Hays, KS for the last 8 years. Anna was born on July 10,1931 in Natoma KS. Anna’s mother passed away after the birth of Anna. Anna was primarily raised by Minnie and William Moorhead, who were her aunt and uncle. Anna was surrounded by her loving Father, sisters and brother. Anna graduated from Natoma High School. She attended one year of college at Salina Wesleyan. Anna returned home to Natoma and helped her father H.B. Brown at the family owned Natoma – Luray Independent. Anna also had a calling to help the elderly in Natoma KS.

Anna was introduced to Clarence K. West in the summer of 1951 and married in November of that year in Natoma, KS. Anna and Clarence moved to Los Angeles California where they attended a Missions school to become missionaries to Mexico. After graduating from the Missions school, they moved to Colby KS and started a family. Son, Orrin Burton West was born in 1954, and daughter, Lottie Elizabeth West was born in 1955.

Anna and family continued to reside in Colby. Besides raising her children, helping Clarence and running her house Anna loved to play the piano, study the Bible and share God’s love with all the people that she met. After the children were raised, Anna started to work with Clarence as his assistant doing custodial work at the Grade school in Colby. After Clarence retired from the school, he and Anna began working at the Senior Center in Colby. It was at the Senior Center Anna and Clarence made many close relationships with the staff and members of the Center. Anna did help Clarene with his custodial duties, but she also assisted in making reservations for meals and rides to the Center. Anna and Clarence worked at the Center for over 15 years. They were honored by the Center as King and Queen in 1998. Anna was also Mrs. Claus for several years during the Christmas open house.

Anna and Clarence enjoyed traveling to see their family and friends. They enjoyed hosting all of their friends at the Village Inn. Since Clarence’s passing in 2001, Anna has resided in Hays with her daughter and family. In 2015, Anna came to reside at Via Christi Village. While there Anna developed many, many friends with staff and residents. She loved to spell everyone’s name and any other word that sounded interesting to her. She loved to sing Home on the Range, and Christmas tunes. She was very loved and affectionately called Anna Banana by many of the staff.

Anna attended New Life Center, Assembly of God for many years until she moved to Via Christi. She always would tell others that she loved them and would blow them kisses. Most importantly, Anna loved Jesus and would always find ways to tell everyone she met, about the love of Jesus and that we all need to love one another. She would always tell people around her that she loved them. Anna has always felt loved and supported by her family. She is now in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Survivors include, son, Orrin West (Terri), Fargo North Dakota, daughter, Lottie Elizabeth (West) Porsi (Steve) of Hays, KS. Grandchildren Luke & Kris Porsi of Soldotna, Alaska, Hollie (Porsi) McLaughlin (Omar) Olathe KS. Ben, Fargo N.D. Wendell and Anne of Minnesota. Great grandchildren, Izzy, Shiloh, C.K., Anna Joy, Shepard and Axel.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Her brother Robert Brown, Sisters, Roberta Griffing and Della Crawford.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Via Christi Village Chapel. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time. Burial will follow in the Natoma City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New Life Center, Assembly of God in Hays. 

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memories may be shared on Anna's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com