Patricia “Pattie” West Richardson, age 77, of Forest Hill Drive in Irvine, passed away Friday evening, June 26, 2026, at UK Hospital in Lexington, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born August 25, 1948, in Richmond, and was the daughter of the late Charlie and Ruth Smyth West.
Pattie was a 1966 graduate of Irvine High School and had a degree in Family and Consumer Science from EKU. She taught Family and Consumer Science at the Estill County High School for 22 years. She lived in Estill County all of her life.
Pattie had a servant's heart. Serving others was simply who she was. She was always cheering on her friends and family, supporting their teams, or finding ways to help meet whatever need arose. And if you knew Pattie, you knew she made the best brownies in town—a talent she proudly credited to her Aunt Susie Ballard.
When it came to cooking, she must have paid close attention while the West women were in the kitchen because she could flat-out cook. No one ever walked through her door without being asked if they were hungry. Feeding people was one of the ways Pattie showed her love.
Some of her favorite weekends were when Stephen's football teammates would come home with him. She loved filling the house with laughter and good food, spending the entire weekend cooking for the boys. She also enjoyed cooking for Melissa's friends, who always wanted to gather at Pattie's house because they knew she would make whatever they requested.
Pattie had an unforgettable laugh that could brighten any room. She was one of Estill County's biggest supporters, rarely missing a game or school event. She loved cheering on the Engineers and truly believed every Estill County student was one of her own.
In 2012, after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Stephen, her dear friend Sharon Niece gave her a dragonfly along with a poem about hope and remembrance. From that day forward, dragonflies became a special reminder of Stephen, and Pattie spent the rest of her life chasing them, always carrying his memory in her heart.
The greatest joy of Pattie's life was being "Gabbie." Her grandchildren—Kamden, Ramzee, and Kooper—were the center of her world. Anyone who knew Pattie knew those kids because she never missed an opportunity to brag on them or support them in everything they did.
Before long, "Gabbie" became more than just a title for her own grandchildren. She became Gabbie to countless children and their friends, wearing that name as a badge of honor. Her family grew even larger when Vicki and Bill Singleton adopted Shyanna, Bam, and Bella, and she loved them as her own. She also adored William “Reed” Elliotte, Jettsen James England, Stephen Grady England, and Eleanor Grey Singleton, and she was overjoyed as Trent and Alex prepared to welcome their new baby. Pattie's heart was big enough for every child who needed a grandmother's love, and she made each one feel like they belonged.
There were so many special children in Pattie's life, and every one of them held a place in her heart. Her love knew no boundaries, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she nurtured, encouraged, and loved like family. She is survived by:
Her husband of 54 Years: Donald Richardson
1 daughter: Melissa (Ryan) Powell - Estill County
3 grandchildren: Kamden Powell
Ramzee Powell
Kooper Powell
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Donald Richardson, and her brother, Charlie West, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, June 30, 6 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home with Bro. Max Hester and Bro. Reed Elliotte officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2PM to 6PM.
Pallbearers: Josh England, Grant Miller, Kevin Miller, Carson O’Bryan, Kamden Powell, Kooper Powell, Bam Singleton, and Trent Singleton
Honorary Pallbearers: The Irvine High School Golden Eagles Class of 1966 and The Estill County Football Team of 1991.
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