Nelva Westbay Memoriam

Mrs. Westbay was a wonderful teacher. Always friendly, always respectful, never angry or unpredictable, she was a great model for kids like me. One incident surprised me even then. She had asked us to bring something southern to class, just anything, to add to lessons about the southern United States. My mother made some split pea soup for me, and my friend John's mother made the unusual choice to buy him a chaw of chewing tobaco. When it was John's turn to present, Mrs. Westbay allowed him to demonstrate chewing tobaco. Perhaps neight she nor John understood that a place to spit was necessary. John ended up in the restroom, but at the end of the day, everyone was humored, and no one was in trouble. I miss the seventies, and I am grateful for great teachers and human beings like Gay Wesbay.
Terry W.

A wonderful teacher. Like many others here, I had here for sixth grade at Bates. She definitely left an impression. RIP

Mrs. Westbay was my sixth grade teacher in 1977-1978 at Bates. I so enjoyed having her. Remember to always be polite and respectful and stand up straight, she would say! I saw her frequently at the Black Eyed Pea. She was welcoming and interested in what I was doing. My sympathy to her family

A wonderful and caring person who, fortunately for me, passed through my life.
Both her and her husband have been an inspiration to me since I met them over 10 years ago.

I was privileged to have this wonderful woman as my 6th-grade teacher at Bates Elementary way back in the day. She started the year as Miss Tate, and my best friend (and classmate) Risa and I went to her wedding! We were beyond excited because we worshipped Miss Tate and her loving ways. She was so very excited to become Mrs. Westbay! She taught us to be ladies, to stand up straight, and to pursue our dreams. Because of her, I am a teacher today. What a blessing to so many.