Melvina A. West

West, Melvina, 94, died January 26, 2013. Services are Saturday, February 2, 1:30 P.M., at University Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale. Born in Orlando, OK, August 20, 1918, to Vaughn and Connie Ellis; her three sisters, Lucille, Lois, and Ruth, are all deceased. Melvina graduated Hayward High School in 1937, attended Hills Business College, OKC, 1937-41. She worked for Beechcraft Production Control in Wichita 1941-46. Melvina married Madison West, reporter and photographer for the Wichita Eagle in 1944. After raising her family, Mrs. West resumed her career working for Wichita Methodist Urban Ministry. She served five years on the citys “War on Poverty” staff in recruiting for the Wichita Area Community Action Program. She worked for the Wichita Board of Educations Curriculum Services Division and high school internship program. Mrs. West was a Brownie Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, President of the Brooks Junior High PTA, and member of Calvary, Bethany, Dellrose, and University Methodist churches and an active member of the WSCS. The Wests were patrons of the Wichita Public Library and members of the Kansas Canoe Association. Melvina belonged to the Fairmount Library Club, serving as President from 1990-92. In 1987, she joined the Harmonica Hombres y Una Mujer, a musical group that entertained thirty to forty times per year, including at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival and Kansas State Fair. The group served two decades as musical re-enactors at Old Cowtown Museum. Mr. and Mrs. West traveled, visiting Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and making several trips to Europe to sightsee and visit family. Melvina was preceded in death by her husband, Madison, in 2009. She is survived by her daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Mike Margrave, of Tulsa; son, Ellis and granddaughter, Alexandra, of Houston; son, Gregg, daughter-in-law, Agnes, and granddaughter, Luciana, of Grenoble, France. A memorial has been established with University United Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita, KS 67220. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.