Kathryn Ann Finley

Kathryn Ann Finley, 94, passed away July 30, 2026 at her summer residence at Grand Lake, Oklahoma. Her Chanute residence was 1221 S. Grant. Kathryn was born June 25, 1932, in Chanute, Kansas to Dale and May Casebolt (Usher) She was the only child for 11 years and then her brother Rolen Dale Casebolt was born. From that day forward, she embraced her role as the ultimate big sister. Kathryn married her childhood sweetheart, Dorrell O. Finley, on October 19, 1951. They had met when Kathryn was just four years old and their love story continued throughout their lives. Dorrell preceded her in death in 2005. Together they raised five sons, beginning Kathryn’s lifelong role as a proud #boymom. She was immensely proud of her boys as they were just as proud of her. Michael (Mike)/Cindy, the late Randle (Randy) /Janis, Timothy (Tim)/Michelle, the late Andrew (Andy), and Daniel(Danny/Deena. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband Dorrell, and sons Randy and Andy and great-granddaughter Bo Finley Kathryn’s goal in life was to get married, have a family and be a secretary. She accomplished all three. Over the years she held several secretarial positions, but she will be known best for her more than 30 years as a secretary for USD #413. She loved her work and made countless children and coworkers a special place in her life. Kathryn never met a stranger -or enemy. If you were introduced to her, you would remember the sweet smile and the little twinkle in her eye, and her uncanny ability to make you feel that you were the most important person in the room. Her first love after her family was reading. It was rare to see Kathryn without a book on her lap. If you have ever gone to the library sale, chances are you could open a book and find Kathryn’s name inside of all the books she donated over the years. She loved watching her sons and grandsons wrestle and was one of their most devoted supporters throughout the years. Her dedication was recognized when she was honored by the Chanute High School Wrestling team as the Ultimate Wrestling Supporter. She also enjoyed watching the Chiefs. To her sons’ friends she was affectionately known as “Ma Finley” and to her grandchildren’s friends she was “Grandma Finley”. Those names were a reflection of the love she gave so freely to everyone. Grand Lake was her summer residence after her retirement. She and Dorrell had purchased their place in Sweet Water Hollow and spent many wonderful years there. She loved tending her flowers, and most of all, making memories with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many, many friends. When you arrived at the lake, you could almost always count on seeing Grandma sitting on the porch in her rocking chair with a book in her hands. From the road, she would smile and wave as you came and went. That image will forever be one of the sweetest memories of her. Kathryn especially loved Thanksgiving and Christmas. She made those holidays about family, gathering everyone together, and creating traditions and memories that will continue for generations. She would rent the pavilion for large family meals and gatherings welcoming relatives and friends alike. Kathryn leaves behind a legacy of love, family, kindness and unconditional acceptance. She was the matriarch of her family and the heart of countless gatherings. Her life was measured not only by the years she lived, but the people she loved, the lives she touched, and the memories she created. Grandchildren: Lance/Erin Larson, Kenny/Shannon Finley, Adam/Cora Finley, Jeremy Finley, Lindsey/Nathan Peter, Chelse/TJ Trollope, Casey/Leslie Finley, Kate Bruce, Megan Finley, Skye/Wade Kimbrel, Larry/Abbey Finley, Brad/Kourtney Finley, Holly/Tray Olson, Great-Grandchildren: Lowen, Lincoln and Leni Larson, Avrey/Brayden Frederick, Addie Finley, Greyson and Emmalee Finley, Regina and Emma Finley, Brecca/Kolton Misener, Brax, Braylee and Brynna Peter, Tylee Trollope, Max, Jett and Ace, Bo (deceased) Finley, Wyatt and Alexis Bruce, Cole Weldon, Levi, Landon and Cade Kimbrel, Atlas, Saint and Orion Finley, Sullivan and Barren Finley, Bowen Olson. Great-Great Grandchild: Miller Kate Misener To honor her, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 27th, at 10:30 AM at the Central Park Pavilion, with a Thanksgiving meal to follow for everyone in attendance. A private family burial will follow later that day. Kathryn will be interned next to her husband in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute. Memorials may be made Friends of the Library fund or The Carlie Almond Memorial. Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. “Her rocking chair may be empty, but her place at the heart of our family will never be.”

Kathryn Ann Finley

June 25, 1932 - July 30, 2026