Patricia Ann ‘Patty’ Blair, 81, passed away July 19, 2026, at Medicalodges, Great Bend, Kan. She was born on Nov. 8, 1944, in Pratt, Kan., and adopted by Arthur Robert ‘Art’ and Anna Margaret ‘Annie’ (Considine) Hickel. On July 28, 1962, she married Bernard Pfannenstiel in Ellinwood, Kan.; they later divorced and he passed on Oct. 6, 2013.

A resident of Great Bend since 1983 after residing in Las Vegas and Colorado, Patty worked as a carhop at Sonic and a clerk at Walmart prior to her retirement. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan, loved animals, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and going for walks, and cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include three sons, James Pfannenstiel of Ellinwood, John Pfannenstiel of Great Bend, and J.J. Cochran of Texas; three daughters, Cindy Andrulis of Ellinwood, Michelle Williams of North Kansas City, Mo., and Christine Martinez (James) of Great Bend; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren with another on the way; brother Mike Hickel of Salina; sister-in-law, Karen Hickel of Great Bend; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; great grandson, Adam Andrulis; brother, Dennis Hickel; and son-in-law, David Andrulis.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society or Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 25, 2026