She was born August 31, 1935 in Neosho Rapids, Kansas, to Lawrence and Louise McConnaughey Gardner. She graduated from Emporia High School, and received a BA in Home Economics and a Master's degree in Nutrition from KU, and a Master's degree in Counseling from UMKC. As an undergraduate at KU, she lived in Miller Scholarship Hall, where she formed many enduring and important friendships.
She worked as a registered dietitian and an instructor in dietetics at KU Med Center, and later maintained a private nutrition counseling practice. In 1972, Pat married Ira Stein. Until Ira's death in 2012, they enjoyed their life together, traveling often. Pat started a catalog book company specializing in nutrition books and supplies which she and Ira ran together.
Pat's husband Ira and her sister Mary Hardy preceded her in death. She is survived by her nieces Kathy Ostby (Neil) and Kristen Hattesohl , her nephew James Hardy (Dana), by her stepsons John Stein (Elizabeth Warner) and Richard Stein (Mary Howe), and by three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her beloved cat Stockings is being well taken care of in a new home.
Pat was a member of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City.
Memorial gathering will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
Donations may be made in Pat’s honor at Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, where Pat was a volunteer, https://www.jfskc.org/donate/.
