Joanne Hayes West

JoAnne Hayes West passed away in Norwalk, California on December 15, 2017, just two days before her 94th birthday. She was born December 17, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frances Griswold Hayes and Laurence Raguet Hayes and had one younger brother, Laurence II. When World War II began, she enlisted in the United States Navy WAVES and was stationed in Brooklyn, New York. After her discharge she attended classes at the Indianapolis campus of Indiana University where she met husband Ray Eugene West. All five of their children were born in the same hospital in Indianapolis; later the family moved to Mt. Prospect, Illinois. In 1976, a job transfer took Ray and JoAnne to Southern California, where they settled in Cypress. JoAnne believed in giving back to the community and was always advocating for improvements to her adopted town. She was a member of the Cypress Woman's Club for over 35 years and twice served as club president. She was also a strong supporter of the Cypress Pops orchestra and served on their board for several years.

JoAnne went on to reside in Artesia and her last residence, The Grove at Cerritos, but remained active in the Woman's Club and other activities.

JoAnne is survived by her children Kristine West; Richard West and wife Vickie; Barbara Janeway and husband Don; Mark West and wife Teresa; and Carolyn Leenerts and husband Larry; and six grandchildren Alisa Kurt, Bryan West, Matt Janeway, Amanda Escalante, Jacob Leenerts, and Claire Leenerts. She was predeceased by her husband Ray and brother Laurence Hayes, Jr.

Funeral services were held at Forest Lawn, Cypress on December 26.