Patty Ward West

Patty Ward West, died on December 11, 2021 in Ashland, Virginia surrounded by her loving family. Patty was 86 years old. Patty was a person of integrity; honest and plain spoken. She grew up in Crystal Spring, West Virginia, where she was a standout trumpet player in the Elkins High School marching band. After graduating from Potomac State College, she married Basil Fowler, Jr. and moved to Richmond, Virginia, working for Reynolds Metals. Patty began her career of public service as confidential secretary to Virginia governors Albertis Harrison, Jr. and Mills Godwin, Jr. She was the first woman appointed head of a Virginia state agency, becoming director of the newly formed Department of Drug Abuse Control. She later recommended consolidating her agency to save taxpayers’ money, and moved to a managerial role with the Department of General Services, eventually retiring from that position. A trailblazing woman in government and politics, Patty was a force, using her gifts to advance education. She served as chairperson of the local Democratic Party, was appointed a founding board member of both the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Credit Union. She was chairperson of the King William County School Board, and PTA president. Patty was a great friend and a challenging adversary. She was not afraid to butt heads, fearlessly managing confrontations initiated by KKK members while facilitating school integration as a school board member. Patty loved music; she led the youth choir at McKendree UMC and helped initiate the band program at KWHS. She later became the first woman president of the Reedy Church Ruritan Club. Patty met the love of her life, Thomas E. West, and they married in 1985. Together they built and made their home in Frog Level, VA, recently moving to Ashland. Patty is survived by Tom, her daughter Laurinda Peters, son Gregg Fowler (Leslie), step-sons Mark West (Lisa) and Edward West (Debbie), grandchildren Christen Peters, Josh Peters, Becca Hernandez, Evan Rose Fowler, Kyle Fowler and Ellis Fowler, and two great grandchildren, Ritchie and Tony Hernandez. Visitation will be at Nelsen Funeral Home-Reid Chapel, 412 S Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005 on Friday, December 17 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral will be 1:00pm Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Nelsen followed by interment at Church of Our Savior in Montpelier, VA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenAshland.com for the West family.