Ernestine Julia Bower West, 95, of Des Peres, Mo., formerly of Jefferson City, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2014, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 6, 1919, in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Jacob Livingston Bower and Julia Permelia Maxwell. She was united in marriage to the late I. LeRoy West on August 29, 1942 in Nashville. Ernestine received her formal education through the Nashville Public School System where she excelled in her studies, especially music. Because of her love of music she continued her education at Peabody College in Nashville. She completed her studies at the St. Louis Institute of Music and Washington University in Clayton, Mo. receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in 1943. She taught private piano lessons both in Jefferson City and St. Louis. In 1963 she became an elementary school teacher in the Pattonville, Mo. school district and continued her education, receiving a Master of Arts in Teaching in July 1978 from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. She retired in 1981 after 24 years with the Pattonville School District. In her leisure time Ernestine enjoyed playing the piano, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. Ernestine was a deeply spiritual person who had a personal relationship with the Lord and imparted it to her family. Ernestine is survided by one son: Eric B. West (Cristine) of Jefferson City; one daughter: Andrea West Michel (Jean Paul) of Des Peres, Mo.; three grandchildren, Tifanie West deVargas (Ruben) of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Bo West (Becky) of Jefferson City; Andrea D. West of Kirkwood, Mo.; and three grandsons: Andre, Henry and Harrison. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com