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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Finney, Kay L. (Snow)

Age 87

FINNEY, Kay L. (Snow) (Age 87) Our Mom, Kay Finney, completed her life’s work on March 21, 2015.

Kay was born in Spokane on May 3, 1927 to Robert H. and Elsa L. Snow, the fifth of six children.

Kay attended Willard Elementary and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School.

She possessed the rare combination of being smart, beautiful and a very hard worker.

She also grew into a woman of great faith and lived as a follower of Jesus for her entire life.

Kay allowed Christ’s love to transform her and she became a deeply joyful person regardless of her circumstances.

She was constantly humming a tune (usually a hymn), diligently taking care of her responsibilities and always looking for opportunities to bless the people around her.

Sharing her faith in Christ with others was an art form for Kay as she wisely offered the perfect balance of words and actions as a testimony of her faith.

Kay met David Finney following his return from WWII, and they married in 1948.

She was a supportive and patient wife, working while David finished his college degree, and always helping our Dad to be the best he could be in his work, family, faith and leisure.

Kay generously indulged our Dad’s love of his Spirit Lake cabin as well as his love of gadgets and all power tools.

David and Kay had five children, and being a mom was the best of Kay’s life work.

She was a very nurturing mother, always ready to sacrifice for her children and constantly giving thoughtful and generous gifts.

She loved to plan birthday parties and celebrate holidays with great flair.

Her inner joy lifted her through the regular chaos of raising five kids on limited resources.

She carefully managed the family budget and somehow saved, economized, used tons of coupons and helped us feel content and grateful.

But mainly she prayed a lot.

Kay would relentlessly pray for and encourage her family and friends.

Through her love and example she fostered a relationship with Christ in each of her children—the most important accomplishment of her life’s work.

Although she had only gone to college for a year, Kay was determined that all of her children would complete college.

So, in the midst of supporting her kids in all the usual activities of music, dance, sports, scouting, church and the like, Kay made sure we worked hard in school, regularly corrected our grammar in conversations and instilled confidence that we were all going to earn a college degree.

Five college degrees, a masters, a law degree and a Ph.D. Kay delighted in these achievements.

Kay and Dave were faithfully involved in church throughout their 64 year marriage, most recently at Berean Bible Church.

Kay enjoyed serving others and had a gift of hospitality that our Dad was sometimes slow to embrace.

In Kay’s kind and generous nature, she effortlessly took care of those who were hurting, played with children and celebrated with those who were rejoicing.

In her early 70s Kay was diagnosed with the beginning of dementia.

The significance of that diagnosis was deeply saddening, but it could not overcome our Mom’s sweet disposition.

As the disease progressed Kay’s joy and goodness in Christ came through all the more.

No complaints, only kind and encouraging words.

And when words could no longer be formed, a sweetness and gentleness that spoke powerfully to her family and caregivers.

Kay had an eternal influence on her family, friends and many others at church and in the community.

She leaves a beautiful example of a joyful life and continues to be a sweet inspiration to us.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband Dave, and is survived by her children, Kate (Charles) Barker, Judi (Tom) Blackmon, Dave (Julie) Finney, Don (Krista) Finney, and Dan Finney; her grandchildren, Jonathan (Rachel Bruns) Barker, Justin Barker, Stephanie Hopkins, Anastasia Finney, Katrina Finney, Trevor Blackmon and Kevin Blackmon; her sisters Frances Uhden and Evelyn Paulsen; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the caring folks at Pleasant Haven AFH for their wonderful care of our Mom the last four years.

The family suggests memorial gifts to Moody Radio (KMBI, 5408 S. Freya St., Spokane, WA 99223) which Kay enjoyed for its Christian music and content, or to any other worthy organization which would honor Kay’s faithful life.

A memorial service to celebrate Kay’s life will be held on May 2, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Berean Bible Church, 10910 E. Boone Ave., Spokane Valley, WA.