Barbara Jeane "Bobbie" Finch

Obituary: Barbara Jeane "Bobbie" Draegert Finch

July 14, 1935 – July 26, 2025

Barbara Jeane "Bobbie" Draegert Finch, age 90 passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. Born July 14, 1935, on a farm just outside of Russell, Iowa, Bobbie was the daughter of Harriett Alice Swanson Draegert and Addison Ludolph Draegert. She grew up alongside her brother, Joe Draegert, and began her education at Whitebreast Center Country School before graduating from Chariton High School.

Bobbie married Charles(Chuck)Finch in 1952 and together they made Chariton, Iowa, their home. While raising their three children-Christopher (Liz) Finch, Craig Finch, and Wendy(Tom) Finch-Levis-Bobbie and Charles co-owned and operated Finch Conoco and Wrecker Service.

Bobbie was deeply involved in civic life. She was an active member of the Chariton Women's Club, the Business and Professional Women's Club, and the Methodist Church. Her passion for service found a larger stage in 1973, when she established and led the Lucas County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), building it into one of the most respected programs of its kind in the state. She was instrumental in the creation of the Lucas County Senior Center. In 1980, following the creation of the Iowa Governor's Office for Volunteerism by Governor Robert D. Ray, Bobbie was appointed as its Executive Director. She continued to serve in that role under Governor Terry Branstad, leading the office with vision and dedication for 16 years. Through her work, Bobbie became a statewide and national leader in volunteerism, laying the foundation for what is now Volunteer Iowa. Her leadership inspired countless Iowans to serve their communities.

After her public service, Bobbie served as Community Liaison Officer for William PennUniversity from 2000 to 2002. Even in retirement, she continued giving back, volunteering at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

In 2013, Governor Branstad honored Bobbie for her lifetime of service, calling her the "Godmother of Service." He noted, "As a result of her efforts, millions of Iowans have had the opportunity to make Iowa a special place." Adam Lounsbury, Executive Director of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services, credited Bobbie's pioneering leadership with transforming Iowa's commission into one of the most highly regarded in the nation. Bobbie's legacy lives on through her loving family: brother Joe Draegert (Beth) daughter Wendy (Tom) Finch-Levis; grandchildren Megan (Jim) Gazda, Travis (Cassi) Finch, Maria Finch, Tucker (Janna) Levis, and Hunter Levis; and great-grandchildren Garrett Gazda, Rhys Finch,

Rhonyn Finch, Dean Levis, and Cora Levis. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck and sons Chris and Craig.

Bobbie Finch lived a life marked by purpose, compassion, and unrelenting dedication to her family, community, and state. Her spirit of service and leadership will continue to ripple through generations of Iowans she inspired.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 15 at the First United Methodist Church, 923 Roland Ave, Chariton, Iowa. Visitation at 10 AM Service at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lucas County Senior Center in Chariton, continuing Bobbie's lifelong commitment to service.

Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton is handling arrangements.