Mary West

Mary H. West of Circleville, Ohio peacefully passed away on August 7, 2026 at the age of 82. Mary was born in Findlay, Ohio.

Mary lived her life for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She always had the knowledge that she loved the Lord but was not satisfied with how it was taught in church. She met with missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and their message resonated in her spirit. She was baptized and remained a devoted member of the church for the rest of her life.

Mary’s relationship with her Savior was a deeply personal one. She referred to him often as her “older brother”. She felt blessed by his atoning sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and wanted to share that blessing with others she met.

Mary lived a life full of service. She loved genealogy and researching her family history. She served multiple missions in the Columbus Ohio Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, beginning in 2008.

Mary also served multiple service missions at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Groveport Ohio where she helped to provide food to people in need. She especially enjoyed it when her son Jimmy and grandson Matthew would join her there. She enjoyed serving the Lord through various church assignments, most notably the Primary where she loved teaching children about Jesus Christ. Wherever the Lord needed her she would go.

Mary was a gifted crafter who enjoyed counted cross stitch, crochet, ceramics and making beaded ornaments; she found great happiness in sharing her handmade creations with family, friends and neighbors, expressing her love through every gift she made.

Mary had a lifelong love of doing jigsaw puzzles. A love she passed on to her children. She also enjoyed playing card games like phase 10 with family and friends.

After graduating from high school, Mary married James L. Benton. Together they welcomed two children, Jimmy and Ann, who were the greatest blessings of her life. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1975, they remained committed to raising their children. Mary devoted herself to providing a loving home through her hard work, determination, and unwavering faith.

Mary was married and sealed to Michael J. West for time and all eternity in the Washington DC Temple in 1978. Their marriage was a source of love and support, and they shared many happy years together. They enjoyed dinner theater and historical vacations. Together he helped raise her children until his passing in 2003.

Mary found immense joy in her growing family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Jimmy (Colleen) Benton and daughter Ann (Gary) Fultz as well as grandchildren Gregory (Amy), Matthew (Mikayla), Christine, Cynthia, Sam and Alex; and her 2 beloved great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael J. West; her parents Ray F. Warner and Doris H. Spoon; her adoptive father Richard A. Deter; and her brothers Rick and Paul Deter. She is survived by her brother Ronnie Deter.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 6500 Foxhill Drive , Canal Winchester, Ohio.

A viewing will be held on Friday August 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

A second viewing and funeral will be held on Saturday August 15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Mary will be laid to rest with her husband Michael J. West, Monday, August 17, 2026, at Heritage Hills Memorial Gardens in Springboro, Ohio.

In Lieu of flowers Mary requested that donations be made to the Canal Winchester Ward Missionary Fund. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ was of great importance to her, and she hoped that others would continue that work in her memory.

Mary will be remembered for her quiet faith, her generous heart, her tireless service, and her unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. She found joy in lifting others, strengthening families, and sharing the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her influence will continue to be felt through the family she cherished, the countless lives she touched, and the legacy of faith she leaves behind.