Donna Belle Finley

Donna Belle Finley, at the age of 86, entered the kingdom of Heaven with her family surrounding her singing hymns of praise on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Donna was the eldest daughter of the Rev. Ross K. and Esther Hellyer, and was born on December 27, 1926, in Ipava, IL, on her mothers birthday. During her fathers pastorate in Catlin, IL, Donna met and fell in love with John Finley. The preachers daughter married the farmers son August 12, 1945. John preceded her in death October 16, 2002. She was also preceded by: her parents; two brothers, Jim Hellyer and Bill Hellyer; one sister, Betty Grigsby; two sisters-in-law, Opal White and Alberta Miller. She will be sadly missed by: her children, Karen (Bill) Smith, Donna Kay Meeker, Vicki Delhaye, and Gary (fiance, Laura) Finley; her grandchildren, Leah (Michael) Warren, Darcy (James) Hatke, Karla (Darren) Morgan, Richard (Cammy) Delhaye, Denise (Eric) Zanders, Michelle (Kevin) Noggle, James G. Meeker, and Jason Finley; her great grandchildren, Justin Warren, Johnathan and Caitlynn Hatke, Kaleb and Chase Delhaye, Erika, Jared, and Ross Zanders, Logan and Landen Noggle, and Cheyenne Meeker. She is also survived by: a sister, Jodi (Ken) Windle; a brother-in-law, Arthur (Carol) Finley; and a sisters-in-law, Clara (Ed) Kizer and Charlene Hellyer; and many special nieces, nephews, and loving friends. As a pastors daughter, Donna didnt feel that she actually had a home town. However, some of her most treasured childhood memories were from the time they spent in Long Point, IL. She had fond memories of singing in different churches with her brother, Bill, and sister, Betty. Growing up in a very musical family, it was only natural that she would carry that on in her life. Donna loved playing the piano and served as a pianist at Liberty Independent Church; although she was convinced she wasnt nearly as talented as her mother! Donna had a servants heart and was a tremendous supporter of the church where she served as an Elder. Her church family was a very important part of her life. Going from city girl to farm wife was a challenge, but she found she loved that lifestyle and was a true helpmate in maintaining the family farm. She loved gardening and enjoyed many happy times visiting different gardening centers and exploring new varieties of flowers with her daughters and granddaughters. Donna was an avid collector of snowmen! Her huge snowman collection grew at a rapid pace, because everyone loved to find a new snowman for the collection. She knew where each one of her snow people came from, who gave it to her, and what the occasion was. Living on a farm gave her the opportunity to indulge her love of dogs; she had many breeds through the years, her final companion was her Yorkie, Daisy. She loved to travel, and any chance to get in a car and drive was a happy occasion! She was able to enjoy many trips to Branson and the Smokies with her daughters. When she wasnt able to travel any longer, she still shared her familys vacations through phone calls and pictures. She was totally devoted to her family, celebrating their accomplishment, listening to their joys and sorrows, advising, encouraging, and enjoying their adventures. She held them up in prayer every day. Her grandchildren were precious to her, and her great-grandchildren were adored. The family was assisted through this time first with excellent care at Presence USMC. The nurses and CNAs were so appreciated. Her continuing care could not have been done by a more devoted, professional staff than was provided at Hawthorne Inn. She was treated with much tenderness, love and affection - we will forever be grateful for their care and support. A celebration of Donnas life will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown, with visitation being held two hours prior to her service. She will be laid to rest in Forest Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Liberty Independent Church for those wishing to remember Donna. Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .