Patricia Jean (Greene) Rinker

Patricia Jean Rinker, 71, died on November 2nd, 2017 from Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a rare immune system disorder that affects the lungs.

She was born April 14th, 1946 in Detroit Michigan, to Harry and Anna Greene. The family moved to Ann Arbor in 1950. After graduating from Pioneer High School, she attended Western Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University. Pat received her degree in Speech Pathology from Eastern Michigan.

Pat accepted a position with United Airlines in 1967 as a Flight Attendant, retiring 34 years later. She began her career in Chicago, moving back to Ann Arbor in 1971 to finish her college studies while continuing to fly. On April 29th, 1973, she married the love of her life, Ronald Dailey Rinker. They remained in Ann Arbor, raising their son Peter, until moving to Harbor Springs in 2002 after Ron retired. After moving North, Ron and Pat joined Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Petoskey Michigan, where they found a rich spiritual life and many new friends. 

While living in Ann Arbor, Pat and her husband served as Senior High Sunday school teachers and youth fellowship leaders. Realizing Pat’s amazing attention to detail and great perseverance, she was invited to serve on the church’s Board of Trustees and later on their search committee for a new minister. The same qualities were quickly identified in Petoskey at Emmanuel Episcopal church where she was elected to the Vestry and later served on the search committee that brought Father Greg Brown to Emmanuel.

Survivors include husband Ronald, Harbor Springs, MI, son Peter Allan Rinker, (Sarah), Los Angeles CA., sisters Janet Ammann, Chelsea MI, Christine Taylor, Chelsea MI., beloved  nieces and nephews Kimberly Martin, Chicago, Kevin Martin, (Jennifer), Dallas, Karilynne Martin, (Kevin), Chicago, Mark Ammann (Amy), Dexter, MI, David Ammann (Kelly), Austin TX, Michael Taylor (Michelle), Chelsea MI., Lisa King (Mike), Chelsea MI.  Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Joyce Gauntlet (Mack).

Pat’s Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 10th, 2017 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1020 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey MI. Relatives and friends may also visit with the family at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, 7577 Cemetery Road, Harbor Springs, Michigan at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are welcome at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 1020 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI, 49770 and Hospice of Northwest Michigan, 220 West Garfield, Charlevoix, Michigan 49720.

The family would like to thank Lisa Johnson, of Hospice of Northwest Michigan and all their staff for their help and support.

“My life was a journey in faith, enriched by sojourners at my church communities. To each one of you, my love and appreciation is over flowing.”

 Service Information