Linda Finley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the age of 78.

Born in Cotulla, Texas, Linda grew up with an appreciation for family and community which she carried throughout her life. Eugene, Oregon, was her home for more than fifty years.

An enthusiast of the fiber arts, Linda found joy in spinning wool, dyeing yarn, knitting, quilting and weaving. She was an active and cherished member of her local spinning group, where she found kinship with like-minded friends.

She believed there is no place more beautiful than Oregon, where she enjoyed the peace and quiet of raising sheep and alpaca at her home in the country. She cherished her dog, Coda, her kind neighbors, and the simple pleasures of rural life.

Linda was the devoted wife of Ronald L. Finley, a longtime wrestling coach at the University of Oregon. Ron, the love of her life, preceded her in death, but their partnership and shared dedication to family and the wrestling community remain a lasting legacy.

She is survived by her son, Michael Finley (Pamela Durr); her daughter, Kelly Sopp (David Sopp); her grandson, Atticus Sopp; and her sister, Betty Means.

Linda was proud of her family, always providing a consistent foundation of encouragement and support that allowed each of them to flourish. She was also proud of her extended wrestling family, staying in touch with so many who wrestled at Oregon and keeping apprised of their life achievements. Linda’s vibrant spirit of creativity, commitment and connection will endure through the knowledge and resources she shared. Her family asks you to carry her in your heart.

If you would like to honor her additionally, they ask you kindly make a donation to the Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation, an endowment fund to restore the sport of wrestling at the University of Oregon and provide scholarships to college-bound wrestlers from the State. Donate at https://saveoregonwrestling.org/donate.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Finley family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.