January 8, 2026 – Hamilton, MT – Karla Jean West (née Kuss) died on January 3, 2026, after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Karla was born on June 15, 1947, to Carl and Ida Frank Kuss in River Falls, Wis. She lived a life defined by faith, service, creativity, and a deep love for people.
Karla made a splash from an early age, becoming the first female lifeguard in West Bend, Wis.
She was a gifted pianist and artist, talents that reflected her creativity and joy. After working at a summer camp for children with special needs, Karla felt a calling to attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire to study special education, dedicating herself to helping children learn and thrive.
At UW- Eau Claire, Karla met her husband Michael West, and they shared 56 years of marriage. Together they moved west and eventually settled in Hamilton, Mont. in 1974, a place that became home not just to Karla and her family, but to the countless friends Karla made throughout the community.
Her faith was the center of her life. Karla was deeply involved in her church communities, singing in choirs, and leading Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and youth groups, always eager to nurture faith in young hearts. Her passion for outreach led her to become heavily involved with Operation Christmas Child.
In 2014, she traveled to Ghana to personally deliver gifts to children and share the love of Jesus. She continued supporting the organization for many years, visiting churches across the region to educate and inspire others to participate.
Karla was also an active member of the Hamilton Downtown Association and was involved with the family businesses, General Surplus Company and Sgt. Pepper’s Shoe Company.
Her presence was well known throughout the Valley through her involvement with 4-H, Girl Scouts, PEO, coaching cheerleading, Meals on Wheels, volunteering at story hour at the library, and creating a reading program for Hamilton schools. After retiring, she continued to serve her community as a substitute teacher, meeting countless students throughout the Hamilton area.
Karla loved people. She adored animals, coffee, meeting friends for lunch, and creating crafts for Christmas. She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; her dearest daughters, Jenny (Sean MacNee) and Abigail (Andrew Bauer); her grandson, Koa West Cureton, who was, without question, her favorite person in the world; brothers Mike Kuss (Kathy) and Terry Kuss and many nieces and nephews.
Karla’s life was a beautiful testament to faith in action and love generously shared. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9 at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton. Family burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to donate to:
Operation Christmas Child
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ways-to-give/
Bitterroot Humane Society
https://bitterroothumane.org
Bitterroot Hospice
https://www.bitterroothealth.org/forms/httpswwwbitterroothealthorggiving/
