Married in 1979 Richard (Stik) and Rachel West will be married 45 years on August 31st.

If you have been a part of the fair for very long, you know that technology has vital role in the everyday functioning and smoothness of its workings, and we have this technology thanks to Rachel and her sister, Janice Parrott. After Stik and Rachel’s children graduated from showing animals and participating in 4H and FFA, Rachel then agreed to come back and work in the Eddy County Fair office f200-2006, stepping down and yet still serving as a lifeline to the office with support for the computers and network.

Rachel is a native of Eddy County, raised outside of Carlsbad by her parents, Jess and Ann Rayroux. Rachel grew up with a love of agriculture and her family. She also has a love for her belief and strength she fins in her church. Rachel not only has an understanding and passion for technology but a very remarkable fact about Rachel is that she was the first person to gain the Microsoft certifications in Carlsbad, which helped her when working for Carlsbad Municipal Schools technology department and then starting her own business.

Stik, born to Richard (Dick) and Glenda West, is also a native to Eddy County. Stik worked for IMC before retiring from WIPP and his position as the lead of the Mine Rescue team. When the couple is not in Timberon, NM, at their cabin, they enjoy spending time in their huge garden, looking after the farm, and checking cattle. The couple was blessed with three children, Tom, Mike (wife Jaclyn), and Chris (wife Ashley), and 6 grandchildren, which are Stik and Rachel’s pride and joy.