Janet L. West

Janet L. West, 86, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. In her last few weeks, she was surrounded by cherished family and friends, as she had been her entire life.

Born to Harrison and Eleanor Graver at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in 1938, Janet would graduate from Broad Ripple High School and Butler University.

As a member of the inaugural class of Indianapolis 500 Princesses, she would sweep her soon to be husband Marvin off his feet, and they would lovingly spend the next 64 years together. 

Janet loved the Lord deeply. She grew in her faith and helped many come to know the Lord through Bible Study Fellowship and the Zionsville Great Banquet. She was a very active member of Zionsville Presbyterian Church - a church she loved dearly. 

In their early 30’s Jan and Butch helped to initiate SNIBS (Sunday Night Is Bible Study). This incredible group has met for over 50 years, forging the most deep and intimate friendships and supporting each other through triumphs and tragedies.  They were last at her bedside on the day of her passing, celebrating communion together. 

She blessed family and lifelong friends by organizing many adventures.  She was especially known for hosting trips to her beloved England, where she and Butch spent the first years of their marriage. 

She is remembered by her community, both near and far, for assisting orphans in Romania and tutoring students right here in her hometown of Indianapolis.  As the director of Northminster Preschool, she impacted so many children and their families. 

She celebrated her family by attending every concert, every baseball game, every gymnastics meet and by being present during every challenge. She will always be remembered by her grandchildren for the weeks they spent in Indiana and the love and creativity with which she planned their time. She is their precious Gwawa. 

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Marvin (Butch); her sons Greg and Christopher; her daughter Kathy and son-in-law David Sawyer; her grandchildren, Leah and David Sawyer; her dear sister-in-law, Jeanie Graver and the most amazing and supportive group of nieces and nephews. 

Janet was met in heaven by her parents, W. Harrison and Eleanor Graver, and her brothers, Jim Graver and Dick Graver.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue. A Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, March 13 at 2 pm, with additional Visitation prior to the service from 12 noon to 2:00 pm, at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 W 116th St, Zionsville, IN 46077.

Janet’s final resting place will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Indianapolis.