Melba Jo “Tootie” West funeral service planned

April 18, 2025 2 Min Read

Melba Jo “Tootie” West

Melba Jo “Tootie” West funeral services are 11 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Spiro with Reverend Bryan Fouts officiating. Burial will follow at Spiro City Cemetery under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Tootie, 86, of Spiro was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Spiro to Ellen Marie Bell (Chapple) and Gideon Walter Bell. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, in her hometown.

She married the love of her life, Jim Harlan West, I, on Feb. 4, 1961, in Spiro.

A proud and devoted member of the Spiro community, Tootie was actively involved in the Spiro Methodist Church for many years and generously gave her time volunteering with the local food pantry. In her earlier years, she worked as an X-ray technician before dedicating herself fully to raising her family. Tootie was a lifelong and passionate Spiro Bulldog fan and a loyal supporter of every aspect of the school.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—coffee in hand, fishing by the water, or taking trips to Branson, the White River, and Canton with Jim Harlan and Mikey. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them—especially when they sang to her or gathered around for one of “Nanny’s breakfasts” or her famous “Dot Dots” on their backs.

Known for her unwavering kindness and nurturing spirit, Tootie had a heart big enough to care for everyone around her. She was a constant presence, a caretaker, and a friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Beck Cox and husband Sherman; her son James West and wife Mary; her grandchildren Bryant Cox (Jordan), Dustin Cox (Bailey), Logan Cox, Jami Woodall (Jackson), Remi West (Braden Riggs), and Gunner West (Lainey Dyer); her great-grandchildren Warren, Grant, Vance, Creece, Carley, Landri, and Kobi; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Tootie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her sisters Retha Jane Graham and Betty Sue Hawks, her brother Howard Bell, and her dearest friend, Mikey Fowler.

Pallbearers are James West, Sherman Cox, Bryant Cox, Dustin Cox, Gunner West, Richard Haynes, Bobby Hammontree Sr. and Jimmy Hawks. Honorary pallbearers are Warren Cox, Creece Cox, Grant Cox, Vance Cox, Landri Lovelady, Kobi Lovelady and Carley Cox.

Viewing and visitation is Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.