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Roberta Finley Obituary
Age 68, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2010, after a short illness. She was born in Akron, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 1942, to the late Paul and Margaret (Eichelberger) Finley. Roberta attended the University of California at Santa Barbara; and graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She enjoyed teaching history at Tuslaw High School for over 30 years. She had a positive impact on many students, and was honored when the Yearbook was dedicated to her one year. An accomplished musician, she was an active member of three dulcimer groups. She will be remembered for her enthusiastic entertainment on the banjamer.
Bobbi was a devoted Democrat, and her most prized possession was an official White House photograph that was taken of her with Hillary Clinton at the McKinley Monument in Canton, Ohio.
She is survived by her sisters, Paula Blacker of Hoffman Estates, Ill., Karen (Greg) Kern of Carmel, Ind.; her stepmother, Lucy Finley of Noblesville, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and cousins. She is also survived by her very dear friends, Linda and Bob Pack of Perry Township, Ohio.
Visitation will be at the Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. N.E., Massillon, on Monday, July 19th., from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Akron. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Messages of comfort and support may be made at:
www.paquelet.com
Paquelet, 330-833-3222
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Finley
Vicki Hershey
July 29, 2010
Miss Finley was a good and caring teacher. She was always fair and worked hard to give us the support and attention we needed. She was our class advisor and one of my favorite teachers in Jr. High and then High School.
Hope (Evans) Saunier
July 26, 2010
Miss Finley is definately one of the great teachers at Tuslaw High. She has touched so many of us in a positive way. I only hope that she knew this before her passing. She will be sadly missed by all that loved her.
Crystal Thompson
July 22, 2010
I was so saddened to learn of Bobbi's death. I last saw her in January when she honored a cousin who had just died. I still see her driving away in that beautiful red Mustang and thought she's gotten to do things she has wanted to do. She was always kind and I know those who loved her will miss her! Special condolences to Mary~a longtime friend.
Leslie Matheny
July 20, 2010
A lady with a warm heart. She always made me feel welcome and invited me to sit by her when I came to dulicimer group. We was very kind to those that could not play as well as the majority.
Lori (Baus) Pratt ('92)
July 20, 2010
Ms. Finley was a very nice lady and a dedicated teacher. I remember that she encouraged my 60's spirit and spawned my lifelong interest in genealogy (via a class assignment). My deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Gary Schisler
July 19, 2010
I had Roberta as a teacher way back in 1965/66. I have fond memories of that class, and she taught me a lot. My condolences to the family.
Ted Tonn ('91)
July 19, 2010
You had a huge positive impact on my life in high school, more than you ever could of known. God Bless you & keep you.
You will be missed greatly.
July 19, 2010
May the Lord Bless Your Family in their hour of need. Miss Finley was a teacher of mine when i attented Tuslaw, She was always so nice and cheerful, alot of fun. I'll never forget her, It was such a joy to be in her class. Jeanne Smith, (Schrader)
Feb. 2010, performing for an area homeless shelter fundraiser. Always willing to help those in need.
July 19, 2010
Bobbi with her dulcimer.
July 19, 2010
Frank Chaff
July 19, 2010
I fondly remember Roberta from our school days. The fun and laughter still rings in my mind. Though we hadn’t seen each other since school she took the time to contact me upon my retirement last year. I shall think of Roberta often. My thoughts are with you Paula.
Amy Nussbaum Holmes ('85)
July 19, 2010
I remember Miss Finley fondly from my History classes at Tuslaw. She was one of my favorite teachers.
David Gallagher
July 19, 2010
I think my entry was deleted... Miss Finley was a terrific lady with a terrific spirit. She surprised us when she'd allow us to openly debate her in social studies, and sometimes it would get pretty loud in there! Our group of friends would Christmas carol at her house each year, which shows you how much we loved her. Rest in peace, Miss Finley.
David Baumgartner
July 19, 2010
We are so sorry for the family's loss. Bobbi was a kind person who will be missed. David & Patty
July 19, 2010
Finley family, Staff of Altercare of Navarre offer you our Deepest Sympathy for the loss of Roberta. Peace to you and your family. Christine Frank-Paul
Al Eichelberger
July 19, 2010
Bobbi,
It was always fun to visit you in Manchester and later at the house in Massillon. Wish I could have made it back more often or that you would have been able to travel to Tucson to visit but it was not to be. I think of you often enjoying your new Red Mustang with racing stripes, your little Opel GT and all the sports cars you had in between. Our sympathy to Paula, Karen and Lucy.
Al Eichelberger, Molly, Ginger and Dottie
Bobbi Finley at the Rogues Hollow Festival.
Vici Gombaski
July 19, 2010
Ellen Riddle
July 19, 2010
I have known Bobbi since the early seventies. As one of a group of teachers, we would socially get together to play cards, and various activities. We would go camping and canoeing on long summer weekends. What I remember about those trips, Bobbi was the first to have a fire going, the coffee on, and the bacon cooking. Bobbi was truly an American pioneer reincarnated.
I would have numerous political debates with Bobbi in those early years, she a democrat and I a republican. Needless to say who won those debates. I am now and have been a democrat for many years. When I told her I switched, she just smiled with a twinkle in her eye.
Bobbi was a competitive soul, anyone who knew her, knew she used her intellect to compete. If anyone decided to take her on, well, we know how that usually turned out. Her life's interests were varied and numerous. She exuberantly participated in those varied interest each and everyday of her life.
Bobbi took her intellect into the classroom and touched the lives of so many students. Bobbi demanded participation and respect of her students. What she received was love and admiration.
Bobbi you went about quietly giving so much to so many, asking so little in return for yourself.
I would have missed out in this life not knowing you. Thank you for making a difference to all who knew you.
Rita Schrimpf
July 18, 2010
Bobbi was a sweet and compassionate lady. I will miss you friend.
Rita Schrimpf
Michael Mossor
July 18, 2010
What a great and gifted teacher that impacted my life in a huge way.
Vici & John Gombaski
July 18, 2010
Bobbi joined my dulcimer group, Mixed-Up Strings, in the mid 90's. She was an awesome addition to the group, a wonderful musician. Her talent really blossomed when she got a banjimer. She developed an unrivaled strumming pattern which drove the music.
Bobbi hated the 1800's costume we wore. During the summer months they can be unbearable. One particularly funny event took place following a gig, in costume. As a group we stopped at an Amish restaurant. As Bobbi passed another seated customer she over hear the person comment to her friend...I didn't know the Amish were allowed to wear jewelry, let alone earrings!'. From that day forward Bobbi was tagged with the title, the 'Gaudy Amish'.
Bobbi was well respected and loved by the group membership. She will be sorely missed!!!!
Rest peacefully dear friend, till we all meet up again on the other side. In the meantime keep the music coming.
Althought Bobbie hated the costumes, she always presented a smiling face and wonderful music!!
July 18, 2010
Stephanie (Nussbaum) Beltz
July 18, 2010
You really impacted my life in a positive way in high school. You will be missed greatly. Thank you for all you did for us teens.
Rodney Peters
July 18, 2010
You were my most favorite teacher.You showed your love of our great U.S. of A I want to thank you for that,my prayers are with your family
Linda Perdue
July 18, 2010
I always enjoyed playing music alongside Bobbi. Her enthusiasm was catching. She was a very sweet lady, and I will miss seeing her with the group. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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