Marcia M. West, age 79

Marcia M. West

Marcia M. West, age 79, of Philip, S.D., died Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
 
Marcia Marie Roseth was born on July 4, 1937, to Paul and Charlotte (Starkey) Roseth in Pierre, S.D. Marcia grew up in Powell where she attended country school. Later, the family moved to Philip where Marcia attended Philip schools until graduating in 1955. Marcia actively participated in many activities, selected to Girls State and worked at her first job as a clerk at the Philip Pharmacy.
 
Marcia was united in marriage on Aug. 6, 1954, to Charles Michael “Mike” West in Miller, and to this union were born four children, Michael, Douglas, Patrick and Bradley. 
 
While living in Spearfish and attending Black Hills State Teachers College, Marcia and Mike furthered their education and achieved teaching degrees. Marcia graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught fourth grade, physical education, and business education until 1970, when she chose to work at home to give attention to raising her four children. During this time, Marcia worked at Dorothy Brothers and the Philip Livestock Auction. Marcia continued her graduate work in education by achieving a master’s of science degree in education.
 
Upon returning to Philip, Marcia continued her teaching career at Philip High School as a business education teacher. Marcia also worked as an adult education director and drug and alcohol prevention coordinator for Haakon County.
 
In further pursuit of education, Marcia received a guidance and counselor certification and held that position for Haakon schools for 24 years as well as a four year stint as special education director.
 
Marcia stressed the importance to all students that active and often participation in activities was essential for any student to reach their full potential. Whether participating in student government, school clubs and organizations or athletics, Marcia stressed the importance of involvement as the key to building character and leadership skills.
This was Marcia’s own credo as she was continually involved in many community organizations, Jaycettes, Hospital Auxiliary, Miss Central Plains, Miss South Dakota, and South Dakota Junior Miss, to name a few … all were passions of Marcia. Haakon County Republicans, Girl Scouts, Philip Chamber of Commerce, Diamond Jubilee, Centennial Wagon Train, and Haakon County Business & Professional Women, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rebecca Circle … she was an active member, organizer, or office holder, above all, Marcia was involved.
Marcia’s efforts were appreciated with numerous awards and accolades. Two time Teacher of the Year, West River and two time State Counselor of the Year, Women of Achievement, Mason Award for Community Service, SDHSAA Counseling Award, Gold Lifetime Achievement Award, and Induction in the Philip High School Hall of Fame. There were so many more!
Although Marcia retired from the Philip School System in 2005, she continued being active in a number of organizations. She received many awards throughout her career, without a doubt her proudest accomplishment and biggest reward was watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in activities and functions. Mike and Marcia were fixtures at all sporting events and school functions. 
 
We will forever miss the woman that made every day worth living. Marcia was an amazing woman who always encouraged everyone to be smarter than the day before and inspired all children and adults to be a better person than yesterday. She was the woman who molded her children to believe that they could be anything they wanted to be as long as they cared, strived, believed, accepted, proceeded with passion, and persistence. She always reminded us that we were stronger and more capable than any person, and undoubtedly more deserving than any other that failed to try. 
 
Marcia was the greatest supporter, mentor, friend and woman. She will forever live in our hearts and give us the passion we need to accomplish our dreams. She will be missed tremendously by the school, town of Philip, state of South Dakota and, most importantly, her family.
 
Survivors include her husband, Mike of Philip; four sons, Michael (Janis) West of Colousa, Calif., Douglas (JoAnn) West of Philip, Patrick (Cassandra) West of Piedmont, and Bradley (Karine) West of Rapid City; 12 grandchildren, Branden (Tayta) West, Zachary (Amber) West, Amber (Artie) Torres, Austin (Becca) West, Adler (Molly) West, Tessa (Joey) Menegatti, Justice, Gavin, Gage West, and Jacob, Joshua, and Adam West; five great-grandchildren, Cooper, Cappie, Jaycie and Eastan West, and Gunner Menegatti; a step-great-granddaughter, Alaina; a brother, Jerry (Lu) Roseth of Philip and their daughters, Paulette (Chad) Ramsey and Carrie (Dustin) Lurz; and a host of other relatives and friends.
 
Marcia was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Wayne Roseth.
 
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Philip High School, and one hour preceding the funeral services on Friday.
 
Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Philip High School, with Pastor Lauren Ley officiating.
 
Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
 
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
 
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 430, Philip, SD 57567.

The Pioneer Review

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Philip, SD 57567
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