Pauline Evelyne Finley

Pauline Finley passed away on June 1, 2024, in Polson, MT.  She was born on January 27, 1931, in Bottineau North Dakota to Joe and Eliza Wilkie. Pauline adored her parents and cherished the life she had. 

Pauline moved to Havre, Montana, her senior year in High School where she met Don Finley, the love of her life. They were married on December 15, 1949.  They had a wonderful 72+ years together and were the greatest example of what a marriage and partnership should be.  Together they started Don’s Self Service, the first self-service gas station in the state of Montana.  They expanded their businesses to include the Le Havre Inn motel and French Quarter Lounge.   Pauline and Don retired to the Flathead Valley, Kona, HI and Mesa, AZ.  Pauline was an amazing self-taught artist. She was commissioned by Senator Mike Mansfield who hung her oil painting called “Big Sky Country” in his office in the Capitol in Washington D.C. She was active in her community which included the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Senior Citizens, Soroptimist, Toast Mistress, Elks Club, Eagles Club, among other organizations. She was also very physically active, even at the age of 93, picking up her wonderful friend Karen on her golf cart to drive to the gym to ride her nu-step bicycle every morning. She loved exercising with the “gym rats” at Carriage Manor and spending time with her friends at 4:00 Happy Hour on her deck.  

Pauline’s family was her whole world. She was the most amazing wife, mom and grandma. Her quick wit and intelligence kept us on our toes.   She was kind and thoughtful, but strong in her convictions.  Even after many losses in her life, she would start every day being thankful.  The heartbreak we feel is immense, but her wisdom, kindness and generosity to everyone she touched will live on in our hearts forever.  We love you “My Mom” and “My Grandma”.   

She is preceded in death by her husband Don and daughter, Kelli Finley, her parents and siblings.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Paula (Kevin) Lamey and grandchildren Alexa Morgan Finley (Kyle) Kmet and Jace Patrick Finley Lamey.