Katheryne H West

Katheryne Hale West, aged 88, of Lancaster, PA passed away on September 7, 2024 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in Fredericksburg, VA to the late Oswald K. Hale, Jr. and Frances Edwards Hale.

Kay's memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her devoted husband of 64 years, retired US Navy Rear Admiral Ralph Whitaker West, Jr. and their two children, Ralph Whitaker West, III and his wife Carol, and Diana Katheryne Short and her husband David. She leaves behind two grandchildren, Daniel Nelson Short and Sarah Noelani West, who will miss their grandmother dearly. Kay is also survived by her brother, Oswald K. Hale, III and his wife Mary of Richmond, VA and their children.

Kay attended public schools in Washington, DC. She graduated from Duke University and received advanced degrees from Tufts University, the University of Hawaii and Catholic University. She had a varied professional life, working as a teacher and librarian, as she and her family moved around the world supporting her husband Ralph's 35 year career in nuclear submarine and numerous support assignments. She lived as far west as Guam and Hawaii, and as far east as Dunoon, Scotland and several ports along the east and west coasts of the United States. Upon Ralph's retirement from the Navy, they settled in Washington, DC. In 2017, they moved to the Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster to enjoy the peace and quiet of retired life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice & Community Care located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.