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Patricia Ann "Patty" Fairbanks, 98, passed away January 26, 2026, at Riverbend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on October 16, 1927, at her grandparents' home in Abilene, Kansas, to Lott and Maude (Davis) Gean. After a fateful blind date in 1945 where Patty met Robert F. "Bob" Fairbanks, the two married on June 18, 1947, in Dodge City, Kansas. He passed on July 5, 1988.

Patty and Bob made Massachusetts their home from 1947 to 1959, then moving back to Hoisington before making Great Bend their home in 1959. In support of her husband's newspaper career, Patty helped support the family during their time in Hoisington by making Barbie clothes to sell. She went on to work for the Barton County District Attorney for 17 years before moving into a position in the county clerk's office, retiring in 1989.

Patty was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, and an active member of Beta Sigma Phi – Theta Master chapter since 1960, receiving the Order of the Rose in 1974. She traveled the country and world – venturing to Europe and Panama, as well as numerous bus tours in the United States. Patty enjoyed playing bridge and cards, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include two sons, Robert G. "Bob" Fairbanks of Great Bend, and William H. "Bill" Fairbanks of Lee's Summit, Missouri; son-in-law, Clayton McAllister of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Stephanie Irvine and husband Brandon, Josh McAllister, Carrie Kapala and husband Scott, and Evan McAllister and wife Kristin; three great-grandchildren, Addyson Irvine, Wyatt Irvine, and Cameron McAllister; and three nephews, John Winter and wife Pam, Jim Winter and wife Diane, and Jeff Burton and wife Josephine.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Nancy McAllister; sister and brother-in-law, Virigina and John Winter; and sister-in-law, Betty Burton.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, with Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, with family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.