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Barbara Finch Obituary
Barbara Ann Finch, 56, of Ames, died Dec. 17, 2008, near Albert Lea, Minn., of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames, with a vigil service at 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Barbara was born Nov. 17, 1952, in New York City to James and Ruth Davis.
On Jan. 17, 1981, Barbara was united in marriage to Robert Finch, and they had three children.
Barbara was a former Republican Iowa State Representative from House District 62 and was working at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
Barbara was a member of the Republican Party of Iowa, Story County Farm Bureau, and served on the Governor's Task Force for Sustainable Agriculture. Barbara was active in the Ballard school system participating in Booster Club and serving as a member of the school board and as its president.
Barbara was devoted to the love and happiness of her husband, children, family and many dear friends. She loved public service and the opportunity it brought to meet and visit with people.
Barbara leaves behind her loving husband of 28 years, Bob Finch; and her children, Heath Finch, of Ames, Erin Finch, of Ames, and Matthew Finch, of Ames; her brother, Frank (Sue) Davis, of New York, and her sister Laura (Charles) Rand, also of New York. She was preceded in death by her Parents.
Stevens Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Finch
Merlene whisenand
January 12, 2009
We were so saddened to hear of Barbara's untimely death. My best memories of her was her willingness to "take charge" when that was needed. She believed in not just talking about a problem, but working to solve that problem and leave the world a better place when she left it. I believe her years on the Ballard School Board and in the Iowa Legislature prove this to be true. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her!
Merlene and Paul Whisenand
Mary Dyar
January 11, 2009
Bob & kids,
I would like to send my condolence to you all. I worked with Barbara at MGMC when she first moved to Iowa. My boys went to Ballard, so Barbara an I worked sporting and music events. Barbara was a wonderful person. She will truely be missed.
Barb Palas
January 6, 2009
Dear Finch family,
I was shocked to hear of Barb's death.
I knew Barb and Matt through sports. I talked with Barb at every Story County Fair while my kids showed in 4-H. She always came and talked to me like we saw each other regulary.
Her service to the community, sincere interest in people and her enthusiasm for life will be missed by many. I can only hope to touch as many lives as Barb did. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gwen Ecklund
January 5, 2009
Dear Finch Family ~
I was just on RPI's website for something else and was shocked to see the statement about Barb's death. Please accept my belated, yet sincere condolances.
I worked with Barb on her first campaign (took her campaign photos) while working for the Legislative Majority Fund. I found her to be a great person and am saddened to learn of her death.
Sincerely,
Cathy Fjelland
December 23, 2008
Dear Bob, Heath, Erin, and Matt,
Words can not convey how sorry we are to hear of Barb's untimely death. Barb was one of a kind, and will be missed by many. Her devotion to her family, community, Ballard school, agriculture, and the state of Iowa was extraordinary. Although she was a busy woman, she never hesitated to stop to speak to others, offering a funny one-liner, or simply to ask what you'd been doing lately. What a wonderful example to all of us!
Bill especially marveled at her expertise on the Ballard School Board of which he served with her. My daughter, Stephanie, upon learning of Barb's passing, fondly remembered her as always calling her "Stephie" whenever she saw her. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to your family as you mourn and remember this special lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Bill and Cathy Fjelland
Stephanie(Fjelland)Woodhouse
Lorraine Kennedy
December 22, 2008
Bob and the entire Finch Family
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May everyone be blessed of her memories, what a wonderful wife, mother, daughter-in-law and sister -in-law you all had. She always went full steam ahead as she had so much life in her. She really pulled a good one on Lawrence in the hospital we will never forget that good one liner.
Love Lawrence and Lorraine Kennedy
Gloria Bauer
December 21, 2008
Dearest Bobbi, Heath, Erin, and Matthew,
The tragic news of your mother's death is very sad.
We the Bauer family want you to know we are all born again children of God and know this did not take God by surprise. He is all knowing and has given us the numbered days of our lives. We do not know the time, or place, or how He will end our time on the this earth. However, we do know that if we believe in our Lord Jesus Christ's birth, death, and resurrection that we all will be in the presence of the Lord at our death.
We should all rejoice in that wonderful knowledge knowing that one day we believers will be together in heaven.
Your loss hurts all our family but rest assured we will meet again.
Keep the faith and know you all are in our prayers and your mother is always with you in spirit.
Your Aunt Gloria and her family will have you Bobbie and your children in our prayers.
Love you,
Gloria
Larry & Karen Anderson
December 21, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin and Matt
Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow in the loss of your wife and mother. Barb was an inspiration to all of us who knew her and had an opportunity to spend any time with her. We will always remember her drive and passion, plus her hard work in every endeaver.
Celebrate her gift of life and the joy she gave you and all the wonderful memories she leaves for you to cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Willard & Kay Jenkins
December 21, 2008
What a neat lady. So sorry that life was taken so early.
Josh Iverson
December 21, 2008
Matt and Family,
While I never got to know your mother, I can tell she was an amazing women. She raised a wonderful son I am glad I have got to know through college. His amazing passion for life was instilled in him by great parents and im sure will continue in her honor. If theres anything I can do for you Finch buddy, I'm here for you. Love ya bud.
Linda Thompson
December 20, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin, and Matt:
We are all so very sorry for Barb's passing. We will miss her glowing personality and her sense of humor. We will miss her jokes for so many years now about about her Matt marrying our Lindsay. We will miss her warm smile and her sense of humor. She was a wonderful example of a great mom, wife, and public servant. She raised wonderful children to be wonderful adults. She lived her life with purpose. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers.
Thompsons: Linda, Jim, Lindsay, Nicholas
Dave Van Waus
December 20, 2008
I served with Barb on the Susutainable Funding Committee from the very beginning. She was a pleasure to work with and her compassion for Iowa agriculture, our natural resources, and it's people was second to none. We may not have agreed on all topics, but she respected all opinions and we all respected hers. I had the pleasure of riding to Fort Dodge for one of the SFC Teleconferences for the committee and we shared a sandwich after the 2 hour event. I got to know a wonderful mother and wife. Barb will be missed by all, but her will compassion will live on forever. Dave Van Waus Pheasants Forever Biologist
Robert Schalles
December 20, 2008
Bob and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Barbara's untimely death. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With sincere sympathy,
Bob & Daisy Schalles
Erin (Westbrook) Terrones
December 20, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin, and Matthew and family,
I am so hearbroken by the news of Barb's passing. She was a fun and outgoing lady. I know your family was very close and treated each other that way and as if you were all the best of friends. All families should be as you were and will continue to be. Barb had such a funny personality. Last time I saw her she joked that I was like "ma" or "Sophia" on the Golden Girls carrying my purse everywhere. I hope you can find joy in her funny memories, laughter in others stories, and find the strength to overcome the terrible sadness. Barb can never be replaced. She was truly one of a kind. I wish you all well and my thoughts are with you.
Former State Senator Bob Brunkhorst
December 20, 2008
My deepest condolences to your family. I served with Barb in the Iowa Legislauture and the family can be very proud of her efforts. She had such passion and energy, she made me work harder because she was darn enthusiastic! The world is a better place because of Barb and she brought a smile to everybody. God Bless
Karen Braymen
December 20, 2008
For the past several years, Barb has been the first person that I saw when I came into work in the early morning hours at MGMC. She always had a friendly greeting and quite often a comment, question or opinion on what was going on at MGMC. I'll truly miss her morning greetings. My heart goes out to your family - what a tragic loss.
Jaclyn Pieper
December 19, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin and Matt,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jaclyn Kelley-Pieper & Jean Kelley
Jim and Gail Ligon
December 19, 2008
Bob and family,
We were so saddened to learn of Barb's passing. We are so honored to have had the opportunity to meet her at the Trustee meetings. What a special lady! She was most proud of her family. To hear her speak of her children, you couldn't help but feel like you knew each of them. Please know that all of you are in our prayers.
Pauline Novotny
December 19, 2008
To Barbs family
My deepest sympathy. I got to know
Barb while serving on the Sustainable Funding Committee. She was an inspiration to all.
Lora Rose
December 19, 2008
Bob & Family,
My heart is heavy with sadness as I learned of Barb's passing. Her easy smile and sense of humor made laughter each time we met. I deeply respected her as a mother, ag leader and partner to you, her husband. May faith,family & friends support you in your grief. My prayers for you all.
Krista Hutson
December 19, 2008
Bob and Family:
We are so sorry to read of Barbara's tragic accident. We were only briefly acquanted with her but she left a lasting impression on us. She was the kind of person you wanted to know. We are thinking and praying for your family as you deal with the sadness. Blessings & Peace be with you, Roger and Krista Hutson
Sherill Whisenand Cruz
December 19, 2008
Bob & children, Bud, Mary and Families,
Our deepest sympathies at this time cannot convey the emotions you are enduring. Having just lost our brother Chuck this spring, we know your pain and heartache. You and Barb were there to help us through that difficult time and we thank you. I'm sure Barb and Chuck are in heaven now, plotting the next takeover of the Republican Party locally, statewide and nationally. And, from my perspective, that's a good thing. God bless you at this time, knowing the power of prayer will sustain you in these coming days.
Kelsey Kendrick
December 19, 2008
Erin and Family-
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Barb was a wonderful fun lady and will be missed by many.
Kelsey Kendrick
Jim Friedrich
December 19, 2008
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Barbara. She was a fine wife and mother. I worked with her for a brief period of time in the Iowa Legislature. My prayers are with you and your family in these most difficult of times.
Vicki John
December 19, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin and Matt
Our hearts are filled with sadness in the loss of your wife/mother. Barbara was one in a million! We are grateful we had the opportunity to know her and we will carry those memories with us in the days to come. She was so extremely proud of her children and now her legacy will live on in all of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may the Lord wrap His arms around you and give you Peace and Comfort.
Tom, Vicki, Mat, Marc, Casey John
Mary Whisenand
December 19, 2008
Bob, you and the entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve, Marla, Ryan & Matt Knutson
December 19, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin & Matt,
Please accept our deepest symapthy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barbara leaves a legacy of vibrance, caring, and honor. You should be very proud to be her immediate family and once the sorrow subsides, be sure to celebrate all her memories and wonderful life. We certainly hope the love and support of family and friends can assist you in the healing process. God bless you all.
Dan Cohen
December 19, 2008
Sorry to hear the tragic news. Condolences to family and friends. I was glad to get to know Barb while working on the Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources Committee. Barb was a vocal and passionate voice, and exhibited a great, fun personality.
Kenneth Herring
December 19, 2008
To the family of Barb Finch:
It is with great sadness I convey my sympathy to her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I first met Barb about 3 years ago as she accepted the responsibility for representing Farm Bureau in what might arguably be said as the most important conservation effort in the history of Iowa. The charge was the effort to find a sustainable source of funding for natural resources. It was obvious to me from the inception of the Governor appointed committee that Barb Finch was going to be a "leader". Her strong convictions, her passion for family farm values and the conservation of land and natural resources that private landowners sense and take pride in were evident in all Barb said and did.
Barb testified numerous times before key legislators, the public and conservation organizations with articulate and passionate presentations that were most effective. Barb not only attended the meetings, but she reviewed the mountains of information compiled and read the reports and worked dilligently to edit any findings or recommendations of the commitee to insure the integretity of the final findings of the commitee were accurate. Last years Legislature passed SJR 2002 which is testament to the dedicated efforts of the committee and in no small part to Barb's efforts. She was respected and valued by all on the Sustainable Funding Committee. Her leadership and presence will be sorely missed but certantly not forgotten.
Ken Herring, Division Administrator, Conservation and Recreation Division
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Dan Rieder
December 19, 2008
Bob: I was profoundly saddened to learn of Barbara's tragic accident. I knew her only casually, but vividly recall her friendliness, pleasant smile and outgoing personality. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Shelby Larson
December 19, 2008
The staff of the Mary Greeley Cardiac Cath Lab wish to extend our deepest sympathy with the passing of Barbara. She will be greatly missed by all. Please know she will live on through your family forever and ever. God be with you!
Leah Maass
December 19, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin, and Matt,
Thank you for sharing your Mother-she was such an inspiration to me and an absolute joy to work with!! Our friendship came about through Farm Bureau where we shared many "adventures"!! Your greatest consolation (once your pain is dulled) is knowing that her positive and principled attitude impacted all who were fortunate to meet her. May God hold you in His grace at this time as we thank Him for bringing Barb to us all in the first place.
Dan, Cheryl, Keaton & Logan Sansgaard
December 18, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin and Matt:
There is little that can be said at this very difficult time in your lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. She will live on through all of you as she will with the rest of the Ballard community. God Bless.
Kathy Krepel
December 18, 2008
Our deepest condolences to your family. Barbara was always so impressive and inspiring with her "go getter" and positive ways. Bless her heart and all of yours.
Donnie Davison
December 18, 2008
Erin, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time. May God Bless you and your family and remember I'm always available.
Lorraine Hoffman
December 18, 2008
Dear Bob, Heath, Erin, Matthew and extended family.
Words are inadequate to express the deep sadness and concern we are feeling for each of you as you face the untimely loss of Barb, your dedicated and loving wife and mother. Please accept our heartfelt prayers for hope, strength, and peace as you go forward, even though today it seems incomprehensible to think of anything but your profound loss.
Remember that Barb has left a perpetual imprint on all who knew her, and especially her beloved family members, by working tirelessly for what she believed in, teaching and abiding by strong human values, and making a difference in the lives of others. Barb Finch is a person who will live on through all of you and others whose lives she impacted. A lasting tribute is to live her legacy and pass it along to others. Take care of each other and look to faith, family and friends for support in the days to come.
God Bless, Lorraine, Pete and Kourtney Hoffman
Royelle, Joe, Gigi, and Lucy Mohorovic
Jane Walter
December 18, 2008
Bob, Heath, Erin, Matt, and all of the Finch family. Words cannot express the sympathy and sorrow we feel. Our fond memories of Barbara are helping us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jane, Gary, Dylan, Ben & Molly Walter
Paula Kokemiller
December 18, 2008
Barbara was always so full of joy and energy. I worked with her at MGMC for only a little over a year, but I am truly sorry to hear about her unexpected death. My sympathy to her family, friends and my co-workers from MGMC.
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