Patricia (Pat) Ann Finney was born September 1, 1952, to Elmer (Bud) and Margaret (Becker) Kramer at St. Mary’s Hospital, in North Platte, Nebraska. She departed this life on October 15, 2021, at the age of 69, after a brief illness.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 10:30 am MT at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mullen with Father Matthew Nash officiating. Interment at the Seneca Cemetery. A visitation will be on October 19, 2021, from Noon to 4:00 pm MT at the Mullen Funeral Home. Rosary will be held that evening at 6:00 pm MT at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to Mullen Fire & Rescue or Pioneer Memorial Rest Home. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow/Arnold/Mullen are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at govierbrothers.com.
Pat was raised on a farm west of Stapleton and attended Stapleton Public Schools, graduating in 1970. While in high school she served as a State FHA officer. She attended business school in Lincoln. After graduation she worked in accounting at the former McDonald’s Clothing Store in North Platte.
Pat married the special cowboy in her life, James Russell Finney, on April 29, 1972. They resided on several ranches in the area until finally settling on the Finney Family ranch southeast of Mullen. Pat worked in partnership with her husband in managing the many aspects of ranching. Pat provided meals for small and large groups of ranch hands, helped with feeding, and checking cattle during calving season, and managed all the bookkeeping. Pat loved sharing her joy of ranching with her grandsons.
Pat’s family were very important to her. Holidays and family gathering were a very special part of Pat’s life. She always made sure nobody left the table hungry and every grandchild had their own special dessert. Pat was always planning family activities whether it was scavenger hunts or competitive card games of 21 and 31. The past few years Pat and Russ began traveling more, which she greatly enjoyed.
Pat was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mullen. She was a member of the Alter Society and helped with various events. Pat’s faith was always an important part of her life. Pat was a dedicated member of the Art Gray Unit 189 American Legion Auxiliary since 1990. She served as President and Treasurer for several years.
Pat is survived by her husband James Russell Finney of Mullen, sons William (Kaylene) Finney, Cooper, and Bryson, of Lincoln and Scott (Tammy) Finney, Jared and Kyle, of Mullen. Pat is survived by two sisters, Jean Cronin of North Platte, and Kerri (Tim) Miller of Gothenburg, and one brother, William (Kathy) Kramer of Aurora, Colorado.
Pat leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Connie Santo of Stapleton, and Helen Ann (Bill) Neumeyer of Mullen; and two brothers-in-law: Dan (Jean) Finney of Gordon and Doug Finney of Seneca. Pat also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends, many of whom she shared ranch life experiences with.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Margaret Kramer, Russ’ parents, Robert and Billie Finney, brother John Santo, and niece Corey (Santo) Bergsten.
