Alberta Lena West

Alberta Lena West

Alberta Lena (Nix) West, a proud Yurok Tribal member, passed away peacefully in her home on June 13, 2009, surrounded by 4 generations of family. She was 86 years young. Alberta was born on September 4, 1922 at the Jones Family homestead in Martin’s Ferry “Wausek,” CA to Albert Nix and Alice Jones. She was raised by her grandparents, Sam and Julia Jones, and attended school in Martin’s Ferry Elementary and Hoopa High School.

During World War II, Alberta was a welder in the Oakland Shipyards and was always proud of her war effort. In 1943, Alberta married Jess McLaughlin and had 2 children, Gary Lee and Vicki Sue. After a short marriage, she soon married the love of her life, Wade West. Wade and Alberta raised their children, Gary L. West and Vicki S. West in Eureka and spent many summers at French’s Resort.

In 1965, Wade and Alberta, were very instrumental in starting the square dance group, The Westerner’s. They enjoyed square dancing throughout the state and met many lifelong friends during this time. Even after the death of her husband in 1977, Alberta continued dancing and had the “dancing legs” to prove it.

In the late 1980s, she retired from Humboldt State University and always had fond memories of the many relationships she built with students and co-workers, alike. Alberta continued to return to Humboldt State University for the annual food service re-unions.

Miraculously, Alberta survived ovarian cancer in 1951, although has suffered many health problems related to the radiation and x-ray therapy used in the 1950s. In fact, she was honored at the 2006 Relay For Life as an honorary survivor. However, nearly 60 years after her first cancer diagnosis, she found herself battling cancer once again. Alberta, as the matriarch of her large family, taught everyone to be strong, to stand up for what is right, and to be respectful to all. We are all indebted to her for that.

Alberta is survived by her son, Gary L. West and former daughter-in-law Cherie Hiner, daughter Vicki S. McCulley and son-in-law Dennis McCulley, siblings Lawrence “Dudd” and Barbara Orcutt, Delores and Bob Sitts, grandchildren Gary W. West, Cassie Calat, Kara and Cory Fales, Nikki and Mike Roberts, Silas and Lizzy Moore, Jon and Jenny Richardson, Lacy and Rocky Folden, Michael Norris, and Wakara Scott, great-grandchildren Cora and Josie West, Deandra, Martina, Kapoon, and Nokaamay Calat, Chance, Carli, and Charli Roberts, Bailey and Danny Fales, Lewis Moore, Skylar, Braden, Blake, Aiden, and Devyn Richardson, and Ridly Folden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Alberta was preceded in death by her husband Wade West, parents Albert Nix and Alice Jones, and Sam and Julia Jones, brother Harvey Orcutt, former sons-in-law Reed Strope and Les Moore, grandchildren Carly and Krystal Moore, as well as many other relatives.

Services will be held at Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street, Eureka, California, with viewing on Wednesday, June 17th from 4-8 pm and services on Thursday, June 18th at 10 am. A graveside ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Park immediately following the services. Please join the family for a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday, June 18th at Arrington Apples in Eureka from 1-3 pm.

We would especially like to thank Dr. Frugoni, Dr. Palmer, Dr. Fratkin, Donna Alvaredo at St. Joseph Hospital, many staff from the “old” General Hospital, Carol West at Hospice, Claudia and Betty at Mad River Home Health, and many other thoughtful and caring people in the health care community.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Alberta’s name. Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, California.

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