A big advocate for Eastern Kentucky is remembered during her visitation.

Ann Latta was the first woman elected mayor of Prestonsburg and was in former Governor Paul Patton's cabinet for nearly a decade.

Latta had been battling cancer for more than a year.

"Always with a lot of pride have I looked at my mother's accomplishments," said Jackson Latta, her son.

"She combined her wisdom with her dream in making Prestonsburg and Floyd County a place that visitors would like to come and see," said Fred James, Executive Director of the Prestonsburg Tourism Commission.

Folks paid their respects to Latta Wednesday night at Carter Funeral Home in Prestonsburg. She served two terms as the city's mayor.

"I was twelve years old when she ran for mayor. I still have the hat that says 'mom for mayor' on it," said Latta.

She headed up the state's Tourism Development Cabinet in 1995.

"I think she was one of the stars of our administration," said Former Governor Paul Patton.

Community leaders said her enthusiasm and love for Kentucky will never be forgotten.

"She understood the importance of the travel industry to Kentucky and to Eastern Kentucky," said Patton.

"We're going to miss a true leader, that did good," said James.

Latta's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the St. James Episcopal Church in Prestonsburg. She was 73 years old.