Erma Finney

Erma Louise Short Finney, 95, formerly of Chanute, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor where she lived since October of 2004. She was born on August 11, 1910 in her grandparents' home in Chanute, Kansas to Edgar and Edna Hough Short.

Louise began school in Coffeyville, Kansas and continued there through third grade. Her family moved to Chanute where she finished her junior high education. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1928, and attended Pittsburg Teacher's College for one year.

Louise married Spencer William Finney on May 25, 1930 at Chanute. There were married until his death in March of 1983. To this union was born one son, Spencer William Finney, Jr.

During her life, she worked at several occupations in many places, including as a dispatcher for the Kansas Highway Patrol, Chanute Office after World War II.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Chanute. She played the organ and loved to sing, often as a community soloist and member of First Presbyterians' choir and the St. Cecelia Music Club Chorus.

Remaining family include son Spencer; grandchildren Sally Finney and her husband Leonard Timm, Richard Finney and his wife Kate, Marry Holladay and her husband Doc. She had four great grandchildren, April Engstrom Shults of Wichita and Jasen Holladay, Caitlin Holladay and Randy Holladay, all of Topeka. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, by husband Spencer, Sr., and by daughter-in-law and former Kansas Governor Joan Finney.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Chanute. A family visitation and church luncheon will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Chanute following the service at 11:45 a.m.

Mrs. Finney requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Chanute. Memorials may be left with the church.