Kathy Leta Finney

In Loving Memory of Kathleen Leta Finney

Kathleen Leta Finney passed away January 6, 2025, peacefully in her sleep after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Kathy was born in Billings, MT, to Ann and Gordon Metcalf on October 15, 1946. She graduated from Laurel High School in 1964. She continued her education at Montana State University (Go Cats!), where she pursued a degree in nursing. While fulfilling a student nursing requirement at Warm Springs, she met Gordon Finney, whom she married on September 7, 1968, at Soldier’s Chapel outside of Bozeman.

Kathy’s passion for nursing shaped her career. She spent the first half of her career working in the NICU in Billings, MT, and St. Paul, MN, before transitioning to the pediatric emergency department at Children’s Hospital of St. Paul, where she continued to care for young patients until her retirement in 2008. After retiring, Kathy and Gordon moved back to their beloved Montana.

Beyond her professional life, Kathy was deeply involved in her community. A 4th generation member of PEO, she was also an active member of The Place Church and participated in several bridge groups in the Bitterroot Valley, where she made many dear friends. She and Gordon traveled to all 50 states, visiting every state capitol; 57 National Parks; and several countries including Czech Republic, China, Russia, Peru, Scotland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, just to name a few.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Gordon, and their loving family: Annell and David Andersen of Shorewood, MN; Rachel Andersen; Kayla and William Gunard; Jackson and Bria Andersen; Lance and Jennifer Finney of Webster Groves, MO; Sage Finney; and Matthew Finney.

A memorial service will be held this summer.