Wanda Lee (Searl) Finlay was born on May 15, 1923 in Coin, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Blanch (Arnold) Searl. Wanda went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at the Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah.
Wanda was one of six children who grew up in the Coin area. On March 2, 1942 she was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Finlay and to this union five children were born; Rosalie, Karen Kathleen who died in infancy, Jacquelan, Robert, and Dan.
Wanda and Bob farmed for many years. She also worked hanging wallpaper until her health declined. She was a member of the Summit United Methodist Church in rural Shenandoah. Wanda enjoyed her time singing in the choir and music brought her much joy.
Those welcoming her into heaven are her beloved husband Bob who passed away in 1983, her daughters Karen and Rosalie, parents, three brothers Charles, Richard, and Marion and two sisters Frances and Marjorie.
Those left to honor her memory include her children Jackie Gleason and husband Kenneth of Essex, IA, Daniel Finlay and wife Debra and Robert Finlay all of Shenandoah; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home on December 21, 2009 with Rev. Fred Bryson, officiating. Burial took place a the Elmwood Cemetery in Coin, Iowa. Caring for flowers was Beth Keep, serving at the register book was Tammy Braymen. Casket bearers were, Joe Cuva Dave Baldwin, Brian Blank, Scott Keep, Glen Braymen and Rick Whitehill. Condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at hackettlivingston.com Memorials to the Shenandoah Care Center Activities Fund, or the Summit United Methodist Church. Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was entrusted with the services.