November 24 1947 – October 4, 2018
Kathie was born in Clovis, New Mexico November 24, 1947 to parents, Sol and Blanche Finney and a loving family including sister, Barbara Ann Finney and brother, Bartlett John Finney. Home was Portales, New Mexico. Kathie’s life-long love of music drew her to choirs in primary, secondary, and high school and to musical productions during those years. She also was active in the music programs of First Baptist and Central Baptist Church. Following graduation from Portales High School, Kathie entered Emporia State University where she majored in Psychology and continued her involvement in music.
After completion of her Bachelor’s Degree, Kathie enrolled in the University of Virginia to begin studies toward a Master’s Degree. Her graduate studies were interrupted when Kathie accepted a position with the Colorado State Department of Social Services. Her noteworthy career began as a caseworker based in the community of Ordway, Colorado. Later she became a statewide caseworker and moved into administration and quality control.
Kathie dedicated her life to connecting those in need to the services they so desperately required. She dedicated more than 30 years to helping others and was presented with the American Flag that was flying over the Colorado State Capitol the day she retired.
In Colorado Springs, Kathie was a member of the choirs of First Methodist, First Presbyterian, Anchor Way Baptist Church, Colorado Springs Chorale under Donald Jenkins, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble under Deborah Jenkins Teske and sang with the Opera Theatre of the Rockies Ensemble. Kathie was also a featured soloist with these groups and an avid supporter of the arts and of artists.
Kathie is survived by her sister, Barbara Ann Finney of Colorado Springs, her brother and sister-in-law, Bartlett and Sandy Finney of Lanexa, Kansas and Ashland, Oregon nephews Ross, Denice, Mina, Ava Finney and Eric, Erin, Elsa and Solomon Finney, and numerous cousins and extended family in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Sharon Kathleen Finney Obituary
A celebration of Sharon Kathleen Finney’s life will be held on Saturday morning, October 27th, 2018 at 9:30 am at Swan Law Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Kathie’s memory may be sent to Opera Theatre of the Rockies, P.O. Box 8110, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.
