Sharlene A. West

Long time Wahkiakum resident Sharlene A. West, 71, born in Breckenridge, Minn., went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Cathlamet.

She is survived by her husband, Alan West; her daughter, Angela Velke (John); her son, Jason West; her grandsons, Andrew West, Preston West, Israel Velke, Brock West and Leo Velke; her great grandson, Noah West; her sisters, Sandra Laycock (Bill) and Beverly Gruenberg (Duane); her brothers, Lee Tischer (Diane) and Brent Tischer (Brenda); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Tischer; her mother, Artyce Quigley; her brothers, Gary Tischer and John Tischer; her sister, Janine Strock; her nephew, Jeff Pummell; and her nieces, Jennifer Lee and Darcy Tischer.

Sharlene loved her family and friends and loved to call and chat with them, too. She went to elementary school in Skamokawa and then Cathlamet, and also went to Wahkiakum High School. She graduated with her high school diploma from LCC in Longview, Wash, before she married Alan on June 30, 1972. She worked summers in Alaska at the Big Creek Cannery before she owned a commercial fishing setnet in Big Creek. Sharlene commercially fished until the late 90s. She also seasonally worked at the commercial fish buying station on Puget Island in the late 70s to early 80s. Sharlene was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She was a kind hearted and generous lady. She and Alan have helped many people over the years. Their home was always a welcome place with a good meal and bed if and when needed. Sharlene will truly be missed.

Her celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Dowling Funeral Home (45 Broadway St.) in Cathlamet, with a potluck reception to follow.