Martha West

Martha Elaine Aaron was born August 22, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Bernice and Cecil Aaron. Martha loved spending the summers on her Grandad and Granny's farm, where her Granny made dresses for her out of feed sacks and fed her well. Martha weighed 99 lbs when she graduated East Central State College and could out eat any football player around.

Martha was recruited to come teach in New Mexico the spring of 1964. She was offered $500 more annually, raising her salary to $4000. Martha began working for APS at Washington Junior High School, and then went on to teach typing at Ernie Pyle Middle School until 1990, when she went back to school at UNM and got her administrative certificate studying under Paul Poland. She became Dean of Students at Rio Grande High School until her retirement in 2013.

Her greatest joy came from working with the students of the South Valley. She also wanted to ensure her students had food and clothing, once actually giving the shirt off her back to a freshman.

Marty's second greatest joy came from scoring a bargain at estate sales and the flea markets, which was always a sweet victory. She loved Shark Tank and live-action reality cop shows where justice was often on the offering.

She loved her cat Melvin, who is in need of a new home. He's 15 and a good boy. She lived for her family. She was married to James D. West Jr, and had one good kid, Wendy West, who resides in Los Angeles with her partner Drew May and their beagle, Betty. She was married to Art Simoni for fifteen or so great years. She is also survived by her wonderful Sister, JoAnn Dysart of Norman Oklahoma and nephew, Colby Dysart, of Midland, Tx. 

Martha's smile lit up any room. The world lost a unique light on August 9, 2024. We love you so much.

Services will be held at 3:00 pm, Thursday, August 22nd on what would have been her 82nd birthday. They will be at the chapel at Sunset Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Town & Ranch at 5:00 pm.

If you're a former colleague or student, please feel free to come and share a story. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the APS Clothing Bank.