Patricia J. (Reeve) Philpot 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.

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