Dr. Patricia C. Westhafer

STAUNTON – Dr. Patricia (Cash) Westhafer, 75, wife of M. Terry Westhafer, was welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Augusta Health.

Patty was born on October 21, 1946 in Lexington, VA to the late George Allen and Natalie (Armstrong) Cash.

Patty lived a full life in Christ and was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Family meant everything to Patty. She was survived by Terry, her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 53 years. Patty and Terry were truly the best of friends and soulmates, living life together to the fullest extent. She took great joy and pride in her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She is survived by Julie Westhafer Basic and Christopher M. Basic; Mary Grant Bookey and Patrick B. Bookey. The title for which she was most proud was “Grammy” for her cherished grandchildren Bowman G. Basic, Charlotte M. Basic, Rachel G. Bookey, and Margaret “Maggie” R. Bookey. She is also survived by two sisters, Penny C. Daugherty and Susan C. Hymes and was a beloved aunt and great aunt to their families.

She was a Professor and the Senior Member of the Department of Education at Mary Baldwin University where she pursued her passion for education and enabling those who teach to do the same. Patty’s initial experience was teaching sixth grade at Shelburne Junior High School in Staunton following her graduation from Madison College (JMU). Often working with underperforming and at-risk students that struggled academically, she recognized that many suffered from poor reading skills. Mindful of this she enrolled in the University of Virginia and completed a Master’s Degree in Reading Education. Patty then became a Reading Specialist in the Staunton School System. It was during this period that she identified that there were distinct differences in the way that students learned and that the needs of many students were not being met in the traditional classroom environment. She re-enrolled at the University of Virginia, and received a Doctoral Degree focused on Learning Styles. This became the foundation for her life’s work in empowerment and certification of classroom teachers, a legacy that will live on.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Staunton, led by Rev. John Peterson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Covenant. Due to COVID restrictions, seating is limited; persons wishing to attend the memorial service in person are asked to RSVP by calling Covenant at 540-885-2138 or by emailing the church office at covenantpcusastaunton@gmail.com and providing name, phone number, and number of seats requested. Masks are required. The service will also be livestreamed on Facebook Live.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to continue Patty’s legacy can be made to Learn English And Reading Now, Inc. at learnva.org or Covenant Presbyterian Church at covenantpresstaunton.org/online-giving/