Irene West Obituary

Irene Chipman West, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and spirited sass.

She had a unique fondness for reading obituaries-a quiet testament to her deep respect for the lives and stories of others. Plus, she always took solace in the fact that she wasn't seeing her own! As we write this tribute, we are surprised she didn't already have one drafted for herself.

It would be enough for our broken hearts to share that she was simply the best-the best mom, grandma, great-grandma, friend, and teacher. However, as our family historian and genealogist-the ultimate record keeper and storyteller-she would want us to tell you the rest...

Born and raised to a founding family of American Fork, Utah, Irene Chipman was deeply proud of her heritage. She regaled friends and complete strangers with tales of her relatives on the Mayflower and those who fearlessly traveled the plains as Mormon pioneers.

Irene was born to Henry Vern Chipman and Grace Wadley, the youngest of 4 children. Although it was in the midst of the Great Depression, Irene described an idyllic childhood, surrounded by loving aunts and uncles. Her father once said that Irene was the only thing they got out of the Depression. To which Irene quickly quipped, "Then you were well paid."

Irene shared fond memories of summers spent at the library, listening to the radio, roller skating, weekly trips to the movie theater, swimming at Saratoga, and ice skating on Utah Lake. She had a keen memory, and her grandchildren know more about her days in elementary school than they can remember about their own.

Irene graduated from American Fork High School with the Class of '55. This period of her life was largely defined by her time spent in the AF band where she played first flute under the direction of K. J. Bird. She was fortunate to have inspiring teachers, such as Madge Tuckett who truly changed the trajectory of Irene's life.

Irene married Leonard R West on May 13, 1955. After almost 50 years of marriage, she said his kisses could still curl her toes! Irene graduated from both BYU and the U of U, so she felt she had earned the right to cheer for whichever football team she wanted. Truth be told, she was "Red" through and through. If any sports team wore the "Red" of American Fork, she would cheer them on.

If you knew Irene, you know more than you ever wanted to about her children-the proverbial pride and joy of her life-Mark L. West, Vickie West Iverson, and Melanie West. Irene and Leonard raised their family in Taylorsville, Utah, which provided a community of caring where the deepest of friendships were forged and still remain. Hard work and success in business allowed Irene and Leonard to explore all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Irene could never pass a five-year-old without talking to them. Irene often said, "I'd rather spend time with a five-year-old than anyone I know." She spent her career as a kindergarten teacher before creating her own preschool. When reunited with a former preschool student, now an adult, he struggled to place her. She then said to him, "Who was the best teacher you ever had?" To which he quickly grinned and replied, "Are you Mrs. West?"

A grandson, upon hearing of his grandmother's death, described her as a "Titan" of a woman. No words could be truer. A born feminist refined in the '60s. A fierce defender of equal rights. An intellectual. A devil's advocate. A voracious reader. An avid Jazz fan. A lover of Jeopardy, Solitaire, and knitting. But most of all, she was generous to a fault.

She had wished to see age 90 and would have preferred to die at an American Fork address. We know that, simultaneously, the view out her bedroom window would have been her first choice for a last look at this life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Anderson & Sons Lone Peak Chapel (6141 W 11000 N, Highland, UT 84003).