After a life of love and quiet grace, Barbara Gail West of Ashland, KY has passed.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
Barbara Gail Adkins West
1951-2026
"She gave the world her best every day-and left it a little brighter because she was here."
Barbara Gail Adkins West, age 74, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, began her Heavenly journey on April 29, 2026, while surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends at Community Hospice.
Barbara was born during the final warm days of summer on September 9, 1951. She was a proud graduate of Catlettsburg High School.
Barbara found great joy in working and took immense pride in all that she did. She dedicated 29 faithful years to King's Daughters & Sons Assisted Living, where she rarely missed a day and gave her whole heart to her job. To Barbara, it was never just work, her coworkers and the residents became a second family, and she loved each of them dearly.
Outside of work, Barbara's world was filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of competitive mischief. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could strike up a joke with just about anyone, leaving smiles wherever she went. She adored her grandchildren and took every chance to spoil them, creating memories they will carry with them forever.
Barbara also had a special fondness for bingo, whether it was the thrill of the game or simply the joy of being surrounded by others, it was one of her favorite pastimes.
Barbara's life was a beautiful blend of dedication, laughter, and love. She will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, her joyful heart, and the light she brought into the lives of those who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her children, George West of Catlettsburg, KY, and Rebecca West (Gary) of Ashland, KY, beloved grandchildren, Austin Salyers( Kirsten), Briar West(Taleah), Kelsy West(Wesley), Leigha West, Katelyn Morrison(Christian), Riley Ray(Christina), Hayden Ray, Katie Akers (Mitchel), Kaiden West, and Riley Akers and extra-special great -grandchildren, Tobias Rakes, Ryland West, Gatlin West, Jocelynn Salyers, Brinleigh Ray, Oliver Morrison( Mitta), Ashton Rakes, Greyson Hanshaw, Preston Rakes, Elise Rakes, Londyn Kelly, Jayce Kelly and newest addition, Braxtyn Ray. Also surviving are her very special friends, Linda Adkins, Donna McFann, Stephen Wilcox, and former boss Steve Perry as well as many extended family members and other friends.
In addition to her late parents, Barbara is enjoying a Heavenly Reunion with her late husband Donald West, and all of her siblings.
A funeral service to honor the life of Barbara will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, beginning at 1:00pm, at Neal Funeral Home, located at 2409 Center Street, with Pastor Steve Melvin officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be held the evening before on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the funeral home, from 6pm to 8pm. Barabara will be laid to rest following the service on Wednesday at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.
Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Barbara Gail Adkins West. Neal Funeral Home
