Clarissa Adele Finley, 78, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026. Her life was marked by a deep love for her family, a lifelong hunger for learning, a heart for serving others, and a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope Ankeny, 520 NW 36th St, Ankeny, IA 50023, US, on September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
A Graveside Service will take place at Oralabor Cemetery, 515 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, US, on September 12, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 1:45 pm.
Clarissa was born on April 15, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Earl Everett and Mary Lou (Phillips) Crouse. She was the oldest of six children and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1966. She went on to attend Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she earned her bachelor's degree, majoring in English and minoring in History.
Her love of learning and teaching led her to Manson High School in Manson, Iowa, where she taught English. On August 11, 1973, she was united in marriage to Larry Dean Finley at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, service, and hospitality. They were blessed with two children, Aaron and Sarah.
Clarissa's faith was not simply something she believed; it was something she lived. She later attended Grand View University in Des Moines, earning an Associate in Ministry through the Lutheran Church. She went on to serve numerous churches throughout the Des Moines area as a Youth Pastor and Christian Education Director. She also served as a Refugee Resettlement Director, extending her compassion and care to people from many different backgrounds and walks of life.
After retiring in 2014, Clarissa continued to serve others. She became a house mother for homeless women and children through Hope Ministries, faithfully offering a place of welcome, encouragement, and care to those who needed it most.
An avid reader and a lifelong learner, Clarissa had a particular love for theology and history and delighted in continually discovering and understanding new things. Her curiosity and thoughtful nature made her someone who was always learning, asking questions, and growing in wisdom.
She was a deeply involved and loving mother to Aaron and Sarah and rarely missed a game, performance, or important event. She volunteered her time with the PTO and supported Sarah’s Girl Scout troop, always willing to help behind the scenes and make a difference in the lives of her children and their friends.
Clarissa found great joy in flower gardening and loved having fresh flowers throughout her home. The beauty she cultivated around her was a reflection of the beauty she sought to bring into the lives of those around her.
A devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher, mentor, and servant of Christ, Clarissa’s life was one of faith, compassion, hospitality, and service. She leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the hope she held throughout her life—the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Her earthly work is complete, and she now rests in the presence of her Savior.
Clarissa is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Larry Dean; her daughter, Sarah Finley; her siblings, Connie (Dwight) Harder, Wanda (Eric) Thorson, Sheila (Bruce) Williams, Randy (Peggy) Crouse, and Chad (Elyce) Crouse; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Finley, and her parents, Earl and Mary Crouse.
Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Clarissa.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Finley family.
