Mary Lou West Shafer Robinson

Mary Lou West Shafer Robinson, 92, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025, at her home.

She was born on Nov. 16, 1932, in Huntington, WV, daughter of the late Doy Emmons and Gladys Eloise White West. She lived in Fairmont, WV as a small child and came to Ravenswood in September of 1940. She graduated from Ravenswood High School in 1950 and was the first post graduate at Ravenswood High School spending one year taking classes that were not offered when she was in high school, and she also helped in the principal’s office. She then worked at the Slaven Store company for several years and later was employed at The Short Jewelry and Gift Store for 16 years.

Mary Lou was active in school events and served as Secretary of the North Elementary PTA and later spent 11 years in the concession stand during football games. Mary Lou also bowled and served as President and Secretary or the Tuesday Night Bowlerette League.

During her retirement, she and her husband, Robbie, were avid supporters and attendees at numerous high school games as well as their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s ball games. Mary Lou was also fortunate to visit all 50 of the United States and all the provinces, except Newfoundland in Canada–mostly with the Ravenswood Senior Center Recycled Teenagers–thanks to her husband Robbie and trip coordinator, Hazel Brammer. Robbie also traveled on many of the trips with Mary Lou.

She is survived by her loving husband, Leonard “Robbie” Robinson; her sons, Scott Shafer (Diane) of Sterling, VA, Joel Robinson of Ravenswood, and John West (Tish) of Laurel Hill, FL; daughters, Sue Ann Shafer Norman and Bev Thompson (Mark) of Ravenswood, and Kris King (Mark) of Brunswick, GA; grandchildren, J.D. Norman, Jamie Stewart (Jessica), Mary Ann Norman, Daniel and Matthew Shafer, Trevor King and Emily Hall (Dylan), Jennifer Woodard (Jeremy), Dustin Simmons (Meg), Cole Thompson (Alyssa), and Megan Thompson; great grandchildren, Abby and Piper Stewart, Kaylee Norman, Jaden Patterson, Payton and Brady Woodard, Savannah, Jakob and Issac Simmons, and Kendra Angus; and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to JoAnn and Leah West.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jamie Robinson; grandson, Louis Robinson; sisters, Georgia Fidella West and Eleanor West; brothers, Carl Emmons West (Mary Lou’s twin), and Raymond Doy West. Mary Lou was the last surviving member of her family.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Roush Funeral Home in Ravenswood with Pastor Chris Skeens officiating. Burial will follow in Ravenswood Cemetery.

Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on our Facebook page or on our website at roushfuneralhome.net.