Patsy V. "Patty" Gartley

    She was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on February 27, 1939, to parents Emory Miksell and Virginia (Clark) Vaughn.  Her stepfather, Paul Seigrist, “Popsie,” raised Patty as his own, and the family later moved to Elcho, Wisconsin, for the majority of Patty’s childhood.  She spent her teen years working at the cherished family-owned lodge, Seigrist Woodland Lodge.

    Equal parts brains, beauty, and athlete, Patty excelled at her private boarding school, Wayland Academy.  She was named class valedictorian, Homecoming Queen, and was a competitive water skier on various teams.

    Patty graduated from DePauw University, where she majored in French and Spanish, with a minor in Secretarial Science.  While in college, she held the demanding title of yearbook editor for the college publication, and she was a member of the synchronized swimming team. Patty had an active role in her sorority, Delta Gamma, and she continued to support the Delta Gamma Alumni Association throughout her life.

    After college, Patty married her college sweetheart, Kent West, and she enjoyed a career as an executive administrative assistant at Elanco, in Bloomington, Indiana. When Patty became a mother, she decided to leave her career and focus full-time on her family.

    Patty’s vacation cottage, perched on Enterprise Lake in Elcho, Wisconsin, was home to many cherished moments for Kent and their children, Andy and Kerry. On that lake, Patty logged countless hours on the water as she tirelessly taught her son Andy how to waterski.  Over the years, she coached him into a champion water-skier, and she later helped co-found the American Water Skier’s Association, AWSA.

    A born philanthropist, Patty’s true passion was contributing to non-profit day programs that supported adults with developmental disabilities.  Near and dear to her heart was Hollis Adams, an organization serving central Indiana. Not only did Patty donate monetarily, but she also volunteered her time, helping participants gain greater independence through new life skills. In addition to her work at Hollis Adams, Patty also volunteered at Noble Services of Indiana, a school for children with special needs.

    To help carry on Patty’s desire to help those with disabilities, the family is requesting that any memorial contributions be made in Patty’s memory to: Hollis Adams Foundation: https://www.hollisadams.org/donate-2/.

    Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Virginia; infant daughter, Angie West; husband, Richard Gartley;  brother, Richard Vaughn; and step-grandson, Nate Sabel.

    Shortly after Patty’s death, on January 5, 2021, her husband of 32 years, Richard Gartley, passed away.

    Patty is survived by her daughter, Kerry Lynn West; son, Andrew “Andy” West; step son, Mike Gartley; step daughter, Kristin Sabel; daughter in-law, Teresa Gartley; son in-law, Jerry Sabel; granddaughter, Lexi Sabel; and many other extended family members and beloved friends.

    The viewing will be held on January 13, 2021 at Flanner Buchanan-Geist.  Due to the current health risks associated with group gatherings, there are four different viewing groups between 1:30-3:30 p.m., each with limited capacity. The Burial Ceremony will be private, from 4:00-4:45 p.m. in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.