ERNEST WEST

ESSEX -- Ernest West, 86, died Wednesday, June 18, 1997, at the home of a daughter in Cupertino, Calif.

He was born May 24, 1911, in Essex, son of Lawrence and Bessie Baird West. He and Ruby Louisa Crawford were married Jan. 31, 1934, in Essex. She died March 28, 1997.

The Wests owned and operated West Grocery Store many years. He was a member of Lions Club, IOOF Lodge, and Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Gwozdz of Cupertino, Jo Ann Gatley of Long Beach, Calif.; three sisters, Mary Owens of Essex, Maxine Bitler of Jasper, Tenn., Irene Alderman of Pontiac, Mich.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. Saturday.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doyle Corlew officiating. Burial will be in Essex Cemetery.