Ruth A. West, age 75, of Richmond, died unexpectedly Friday morning (January 4, 2008) at Reid Hospital. She was born in Richmond on March 12, 1932 to John W. and Kathrine Wall Whalen and had lived in this area all of her life. She was a homemaker and had worked at Alcoa She had also worked in sales and as a broker for Whalen Real Estate. She was a certified Indiana High School Athletic Association official for 25 years where she concentrated her efforts in swimming, track and gymnastics. Ruth was the first official to be given the Distinguished Service Award from the IHSAA. She had also officiated several state final meets in swimming and track and for the swimming competition during the Pan American Games in Indianapolis. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Survivors include her husband Artie West with whom she would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on February 27, 2008; son David (Kathy) West of Richmond; daughter - Patti (David) Hoffa of Terre Haute; grandchildren - Vickie Powell, Jeremy West, Brian West, Angie Miller and Kilie Hoffa; great grandchildren - McKenna Miller, Cole Miller and Meredith Miller; nieces and nephews. Two brothers, John and Paul Whalen, and a sister, Barbara Whalen, are also deceased. Graveside services and interment will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday January 8, 2007 in the Veterans Field of Honor in Earlham Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. www.riggle-waltermann.com