Lydia Westhues

Former Glasgow, MO resident, Lydia Westhues, passed away at Adair Village in Clinton, MO on February 27, 2024.

Lydia Rosa Westhues was born in Achern, Germany on September 1, 1923.  She was one of four children born to the late August and Rosa (Schlogel) Zimpfer.  She completed her education in Germany and while in Germany worked at a ceramics factory.  On November 11, 1961, Lydia married Theodore W. “Ted” Westhues, Jr. on the Westhues family farm.  The couple enjoyed nearly 49 years of marriage.  Ted preceded Lydia in death on August 10, 2010.  Once settled in Glasgow, Lydia fulfilled her role as homemaker and farmwife, along with providing a daycare for numerous children in the Glasgow area.  She was a great cook, loving wife, mother, grandmother and childcare provider.  When she was able, Lydia enjoyed gardening, yard work, knitting, crocheting, sewing and visiting her family.  She also was very active in crocheting Afghans, making crafts and volunteering for the annual St. Mary’s Fall Dinner.

She dearly enjoyed writing and receiving letters and phone calls from her family in Germany and traveled to Germany many times to reconnect with family there.  Her German family always spoiled her.  On her 80th birthday her sister-in-law Helga and great-niece Tamara traveled from Germany to surprise her for a birthday visit.  On her 100th birthday, they sent her many gifts and initiated a Zoom Call so she could see and hear them singing Happy Birthday to her in German and English.  Every Christmas they baked Lydia’s favorite German cookies and treats and mailed her a package full of goodies: one box for Lydia and another box to share with the nursing-home residents and staff.

Survivors include her daughter, Pat (Rick) Gebhardt of Clinton, MO; two grandsons, Mason Gebhardt of Fayette, MO and Adam Gebhardt of Kansas City, MO; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Gebhardt.  In addition to her husband and parents, Lydia was preceded in death by her three brothers, Willy (Thea), Waldemar and Rudi (Helga) Zimpfer. 

Following Lydia’s final wishes there will be no public services.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary School or Church c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.

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