Barbara Luecking West

Barbara Luecking West, 77, a fixture of the Brevard County scene, passed away peacefully at her home on January 3, 2026, following complications from a long illness. Surrounded by love, Barbara left this world with the same strength, dignity and grace that defined her life.

Barbara will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her steadfast friendships, her professional accomplishments, and her lifelong commitment to community involvement. Those who spent time in her company will remember her unique ability to engage everyone around her, taking a sincere interest in learning everything about them, sharing in their personal triumphs, and creating a true sense of community and extended family.

A lifelong Floridian, Barbara was born in Jacksonville and raised in St. Augustine and Titusville. She graduated from Titusville High School, where she was named Titusville's Junior Miss, and earned her bachelor's degree from Florida State University. In 1974, Barbara married Perry West in Tallahassee, Florida. After a brief honeymoon, the couple moved to Brevard County where Perry began his law practice. Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, Perry West; her son, Taylor West, his wife Dallas, and their daughters Brinkley and Brazos; her daughter, Lindsay Ensell, and her husband Benjamin; and her stepdaughter, Suzanne Hall, her husband Darin, and their son Wills. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Luecking, and his wife Christie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her brother William H. Luecking II and his wife Linda, as well as her parents, Clarene Luecking and William H. Luecking.

With an interest and an eye for fashion, Barbara began her professional career as a store manager for Foxmoor Casuals in Tallahassee. She later broadened her professional life by joining the Florida Supreme Court Administrator's Office, where she played a key role in the statewide rollout of the court's case disposition reporting system. Barbara continued her career with BellSouth and later AT&T, where she held management positions. Entrepreneurial by nature, she eventually returned to her foundation in fashion and opened her own children's clothing boutique, Ruffles and Britches, in Cocoa Village. As her children grew, she closed the shop and focused on family and community involvement, including frequent volunteering with various organizations, at St. Mary Catholic School, Rockledge High School, and as a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church Alter Guild. As her children left home, Barbara returned to public service first as a volunteer with the Florida Historical Society and, after a brief stint with the March of Dimes, she returned attaining the position of Associate Director, a role that reflected her deep appreciation for Florida's history and culture. Following a brief attempt at retirement, Barbara returned to the Florida Historical Society to manage the Rossetter House Museum and Gardens until her full retirement in 2022.

A lover of travel and sun Barbara and Perry fell in love with Captiva Island where they spent many years making memories with their family. Although it took time away from stays at her beloved Captiva Island, Barbara was deeply involved in civic and philanthropic organizations throughout her life. While at Florida State University, she was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and remained engaged as a member of the Tri Delta Alumnae Association and Brevard County Panhellenic, serving in role as president for both organizations at different times. She served as an Executive Board Member of the Central Brevard Debutante Society and was a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Central and North Brevard where she had served in various leadership positions over the years. She was also active in the Junior Women's Club and was a partner in Investment and Financial Enterprises.

Memorial Services will be held for Barbara West at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Cocoa, Florida on January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM