Patricia J. Philpot "Reeve" Finley

Patricia "Pat" Joan (Reeve) Philpot Finley, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2026, marking the end of a long life defined by hard work, a sharp wit, and a legendary love story.

Born on May 20, 1934, to Fredrick and Agnes Reeve, Pat was a woman who never knew how to sit still. She spent the majority of her years in Decker and Marlette. Whether she was working at a local bar or tending to others as a dedicated staff member at the nursing home, Pat always had a job to do. She famously joked that she would still be clocked in at the home long after she moved in as a resident-a testament to a work ethic that never wavered.

Pat found her greatest joy in the simple, honest labors of life. She was a master of the kitchen; known for her baking and the pride she took in her canning. When she wasn't tending to her garden or sewing, she could be found lost in the pages of a romance novel.

The heart of Pat's life was her 30-year journey with her great love, Ivan Finley. Though they spent three decades as inseparable partners-hunting, ice fishing, and finding peace in the woods "up North"-they finally made it official on September 11, 2017, in Sandusky. Their bond was the steady anchor of her later years, a partnership of bickering, laughter, and absolute devotion.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivan Finley; her first husband, Austin Philpot; her son, James "Jim" Philpot; her granddaughter, Jennifer; and Jacki, the fiancée of her grandson, Matthew. She was also preceded by three brothers, two sisters, and several in-laws.

She is survived by her children, Daniel (Mary) Philpot of Cass City and Nancy Philpot (Jeff) of Bad Axe; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also remembered by her Finley family: brother-in-law Harvey (Delores) Finley, and sisters-in-law Peggy Wolosz, Brenda Dziesinsky, and JoAnne Hart.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 1 until 8 PM at Thabet Funeral Home, 6255 Main St., Cass City. Honoring Pat's wishes cremation will follow.

Pat has finally finished getting ready; she has gone to join Ivan, who, true to form, made sure to get there a few years early to wait for her.