Cecilia Jane West

Cecilia Jane West of Ridgecrest, California, passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born September 19, 1939, in Pampa, Texas, the oldest child of Cecil and Laura Lois Cross.

In the 1940s, Cecilia’s parents moved their family to California, where Cecilia would eventually build a life filled with family, friendship, and love. She began her own family with her children, Kimberly and Rodney, and went on to build a long and respected career as a paralegal.

It was through her work as a paralegal that Cecilia met the love of her life, Burke West, when she joined his law firm. They married in 1981, and Cecilia became a loving stepmother to Burke’s three children, Cedar, Diana, and Marine. Together, Cecilia and Burke enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and helping others through their work at the law firm.

Cecilia was raised Baptist and a charter member of the First Baptist Church in Ridgecrest. She often shared her faith with her grandchildren and reminded them she always prayed each night before bed.

After Burke passed away in 2005, Cecilia and her daughter Kimberly opened Romancing the West in his honor. For many in the Ridgecrest community, Cecilia will forever be remembered sitting behind the counter at Romancing the West, welcoming customers with her humor and by offering them “a piece of candy”. The shop became a special place where people could discover unique treasures from local artists and vendors from around the country, and reminisce about “the good ole’ days with Burke West” with Cecilia.

Cecilia had a wonderful appreciation for the little things in life. She loved animals, enjoyed a good glass of white wine, sweet treats and believed there was never a reason not to look her best—even when she was vacuuming the house. Her wit, independence, style, and generous spirit were unmistakably Cecilia.

She spent much of her later years at Romancing the West, where she continued preparing legal documents in the back and working as a practicing paralegal until the age of 80. She took great pride in her work and remained dedicated to helping others for as long as she could.

Above all, Cecilia treasured her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially her local granddaughters, Laura and Michaela “Katie”. She leaves behind a family who will remember her not only for all she accomplished, but for the laughter, love, and unforgettable personality she brought into their lives.

Cecilia is survived by her brother, John Rodney (Susie) Cross; her children, Kimberly (Michael) Metcalf and Rodney Ruggieri; her stepchildren, Cedar (Marilyn) West, Diana (William) Troyk, and Marine (David) McKinney; her grandchildren, Jared (Ashley) Ruggieri, Laura Metcalf, Michaela (Timothy) Plunkett, Emily Ruggieri, Olivia Ruggieri, Justin (Hilary) West, Mariah (Brent) Oliver, Bronwyn West, Morgan (Kurt) Miller, Erin Troyk, Westin (Hannah) McKinney, and Rylee (Elliott) Packer; 13 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and many cousins, extended family members, and loved ones.

Cecilia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, determination, and unmistakable spirit will live on in the family and community she loved so dearly. In lieu of flowers, please help remember Cecilia and her love of animals by donating to the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter or Almost Eden Rescue.