Mary Ellen (Bunny) West, 82, of Ellijay, GA, passed away on August 12, 2026. She was born March 27, 1944, in Chattanooga, TN, to the late Nicholas and Ann Stolpmann Neligan.

Bunny attended Notre Dame High School and the University of TN at Chattanooga. She worked as a medical technician at Erlanger Hospital, Hamilton Medical Center, and North Georgia Medical Center in Ellijay. She was a faithful member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church, Ellijay. She was active in the Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, and served as a volunteer at the food pantry. In retirement, Bunny and Vernon loved to travel. They enjoyed many wonderful trips together.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon West; her brother, Nicholas Neligan; her sisters, Elizabeth Neligan and Louise Neligan. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Susan West Winkler, Gail West, Sue West, Lillian West, and Ann West; her brother-in-law, Ronnie West, and many nieces and nephews.

Bunny was known for her sweet nature and her keen sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Bunny’s life will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 4:00 pm at Good Samaritan Catholic Church with Rev. Luis Alvarez officiating. Interment will follow in the East Ellijay Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Ricky Wimpey, Don Callihan, Jason Hill, Jacob Callihan, Chris Callihan, and Chad West.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, August 17, from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm at Bernhardt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 55 Church Street, Ellijay 30540, or the Gilmer Community Food Pantry, 5273 Highway 52E, Ellijay 30536.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.