 SANT, L KAY Longtime resident of Albuquerque and balloon enthusiast, L Kay Sant age 71, passed away on November 25, 2014 due to complications related to COPD. Kay was born in Shoshone, ID on August 12, 1943 to Virgil and Jackie Pridgen. She met her husband, Blaine Sant in Ogden, UT and was married in Elko, NV on March 19, 1964. While in Utah, Kay worked as an auditor for the IRS. In 1974 Blaine and Kay moved to Albuquerque where they raised their four children. They quickly fell in love with the Albuquerque area and never wanted to leave. In 1978 Kay started working at GE Aircraft Engine plant as a quality control inspector where she worked for 10 years. During that time she was secretary of the local 794 Machinist Union, and secretary of the state organization. Kay's passion in life was hot air ballooning. She volunteered countless hours supporting and organizing ballooning events. In 1999, Kay spearheaded the creation of the Balloon Fiesta Greeters, and led the Greeters until she retired in 2013. She also served on the board of directors and in many leadership roles within the Albuquerque Aeronautical Ascension Association. She also served on the board of directors for several ballooning rallies throughout the Western United States. In 2005, Kay received the Sid Cutter Award for her dedication to ballooning. She was known for her love of Christmas. Everyone looked forward to her Christmas village and decorations. She always enjoyed the companionship of her seven grandchildren, and spending time with her family, whether on vacation or at home playing cards. She also had a passion for arts, crafts and collecting. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Jackie Pridgen and her sister, Anna Reed. She is survived by her husband, Blaine Sant; her sons Russell, Bret (Debbie), Chris (Kimberly); her daughter, Lindy Hatch (Matt); her grandchildren, Brian, Jacob, Jayson, Miranda, Tyler, JJ, and Nathan; her brothers Jerry Pridgen (Janet) and Kirk Pridgen; her brother-in-law Michael Reed; many nieces and nephews, and beloved family members. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Gentiva Hospice for their loving care during Kay's last days. A memorial balloon flight in her honor will be held early next year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org)
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