Elizabeth “Libby” Rhett West, 95, passed away at her home March 7, 2014. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 14, at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave. in DeLand. Her family will celebrate her life with a service at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 319 W. Wisconsin Ave. in DeLand, with burial immediately following next to her husband, Dr. West. A reception will be held at the church following the service and burial.
Mrs. West was born at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where her father was in the U.S. Army. In 1937, her family moved to Davidson, N.C., so her father could teach at Davidson College. She was allowed to attend Davidson College for her freshman year as the daughter of a professor. She would continue to have that pioneering spirit for the rest of her life.
Libby married Dr. Hugh West in 1956, and became an integral part of life in DeLand. She graduated from Stetson University, and continued to be involved there for many years. Libby was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in DeLand. She was also very active in the Azalea Circle of the DeLand Garden Club, the National League of Pen Women for Art, Music and Writing, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Beresford Yacht Club, serving as a past president, the Krewe of Amalee, the DeLand Country Club, Stetson Alumni, Pi Phi Sorority, and the Cultural Arts Center of DeLand, and she was a sustaining member and past president of the Junior League of DeLand.
Libby was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Hugh West, daughter Ann West Hall, and her brother, John Taylor Rhett Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her grandsons, Steven Costa, West Costa and Rhett Costa; granddaughter Hannah Hall; and greatgrandchildren Reese Costa, Jack Costa and Sydney Costa.
Additionally, she is held dear by her sister-in-law, Helen W. Rhett; cousin Betty Gregg Black; niece Libby Jones; nephew John Rhett III; and her companions and caregivers Alvanette Johnson and Vernel Neal.
Share your memories with the family at www.lankfordfuneralhome.com.