Patricia Stangebye Kailer

Patricia Stangebye Kailer, beloved daughter, niece, aunt, mother, and grandmother, passed away on November 10, 2025, at the age of 100. Pat was born in New England, North Dakota to Dr. Thorlief Ludwig and Ruth Jones Stangebye. The family later moved to Mott, N. D., where Pat graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to the University of North Dakota. After 2 yrs. there, she transferred to the University of Missouri to major in journalism. There she met her future husband, J.D. Kailer, a returning G.I., and the two graduated with Bachelor degrees in Journalism in 1947.

An MU college classmate in Roswell, N.M. offered them jobs on the Roswell Dispatch, where J.D. became editor, and Pat the sole reporter. The couple moved to Albuquerque in 1949. J.D. became sports editor of the Albuquerque Journal, and Pat raised their three children. She was active in her church and The Albuquerque Little Theater, where she eventually handled a publicity job for 6 years.

In 1965, Pat joined The Albuquerque Journal as the original Miss Action Line, a popular question/answer column. After 6 years, she moved to the Trends section, where she was a feature writer for 25 years, winning a couple of first and second places in the Albuquerque Press Association competition. A long-time colleague noted Pat's wide range of topics included abortion and adoption, birds and bees, chickens and charities, dreams and dry cleaners, homing pigeons and llamas, flirting, office politics, teens and seniors, long marriages, divorce and stepparenting, grandparenting, early babies, late babies, social ills, rape, diseases, and support groups ad infinitum. She enjoyed interviewing Barbara Bush, and became fast friends with Ann Landers (Dear Abby). A special feature appeared when new neighbors turned out to be one of the first Afghan families arriving in Albuquerque, after fleeing their home country Iran, following a Russia takeover.

Growing up, Pat was a natural tomboy favoring a boy's bob, bowties, and coveralls. All this vanished when Shirley Temple appeared on the silver screen, and Pat converted easily to curls and tap dancing. Later, she enjoyed golf, swimming, and played second base/shortstop on the college softball team. Pat was responsive, supportive, and interested in most things under the sun. She was a voracious reader, regularly attempted the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle, delighted in new words, and enjoyed bridge, and bridge mix.

She will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery, The family will announce memorial service details in 2026 and appreciates your support during this time.