Patricia Haven Rinkevich
August 23, 1938 ~ August 5, 2026
Born in:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailPatricia Haven Rinkevich, 87, died peacefully at home in Asheville, North Carolina on August 5, 2026.
Born on August 23, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents Ann Sidlauskus Haven, and James Haven, Patricia Ann was the fourth of six children. Older siblings, Lorraine Haven Voss, James I. Haven, Joyce Marie Haven, Mary Jane Haven, and younger brother, David J. Haven.
Growing up, Patricia “Patty” was inseparable from her older sister, Mary Jane. Patty, Mary Jane, and siblings spent their early years on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. During and after graduating from the city’s Catholic Central High School, Patricia worked as a legal secretary to one of Grand Rapids’ first and leading female attorneys at the time. Patricia’s father passed away when she was young and the resulting family responsibilities made her unable to pursue her education at Notre Dame University, which she had long dreamed of doing.
In 1958, Patricia met Peter James Rinkevich, of Grandville, Michigan. Peter was working as a summer lab technician at American Boxboard in Grand Rapids during his studies pursuing a degree in Pulp and Paper Technology at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Mary Jane was working at American Boxboard as an office assistant at the same time and came home one evening informing her sister that she met a nice young man at work and thought an introduction was a good idea.
Peter and Patricia were married at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in northwest Grand Rapids on May 21, 1960. Just a few days after the wedding the couple were on their way to Peter’s first assignment as a new employee of Champion Paper in Pasadena, Texas.
Patricia dedicated much of the next thirty years to raising a family with Peter in a loving partnership that lasted over 66 years. Living and making their new home in Pasadena, Texas, Patricia continued her work as a legal secretary. The couple then moved for Champion Paper to Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Birmingham, Michigan; and Asheville, North Carolina, where the Rinkevich family arrived in 1978 and where Patricia, with Peter, would spend the next 48 years.
Patricia loved reading, music, art, travel, gardening, birds, cooking, and over the years became an accomplished water color artist. In addition to her dedicated family and personal pursuits, Patricia was also a devout Catholic and ardent supporter of the historic Basilica o St. Lawrence in Asheville. There she served as office manager for nearly 10 years once her children had grown. Patricia also served on the board of the Smith-McDowell House, a historic home in Asheville.
Patricia’s survivors include, beloved husband, Peter, their three children: Peter Paul Rinkevich and spouse Amy Padgett Rinkevich of Tampa, Florida; Joseph Patrick Rinkevich and spouse Teri Lynn Strother of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Ann Rinkevich Clark and spouse Newton Thomas Clark, III of Asheville, North Carolina. Survivors also include six beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Haven Rinkevich, Seth James Rinkevich, Matthew Thompkins Scully, Genevieve Knauff Scully, Sasha Grace Morrill Rinkevich, and Even Joseph Morrill Rinkevich.
A private Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family was held on August 11, at the Basilica of St. Lawrence. In lieu of flowers or remembrances, the family asks that in honor of Patricia’s love the Basilica, that donations be made to the Basilica of St. Lawrence’s “Preserving Our Heritage” campaign, which is an ongoing project to repair and restore the Basilica, which dates back to 1909.
Patricia will be remembered dearly for her love of family, faith and the human experience. She remarked often how proud she was of her beautiful and accomplished children and grandchildren—a loving memory that will be forever in our hearts.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Dear Pete,Peter,Joe,Ann and Family,
I am so saddened by the death of your Mom, Pat. We shared so many wonderful memories throughout our 68 years of friendship.
May GOD encircle you all in His loving arms and give you all comfort and peace at this very sad time.
Sending you all love and prayers.
Jeanne Sherman