Shirley Ruth (Mcnabb) Finney

Shirley Ruth (McNabb) Finney, 89, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, January 29, 2024. Born on December 21, 1934, at the family home on East Maple Street in Robinson, she would go on to graduate from Robinson High School as a member of the Class of 1953. Shortly after high school, her life took a beautiful turn when she met Gene Finney. The couple married on December 3, 1955, just four months after their paths crossed, and embarked on a life filled with love and partnership that endured the test of time.

Shortly after their wedding, she and Gene moved to Chicago before settling in Louisville, KY, in 1964, where they co-owned and operated Bluegrass Tool & Die Company. Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of their son Kelly, Shirley's resilient spirit saw her channeling grief into action. She and Gene moved to Texas, then to North Vernon, IN, where Shirley was the driving force behind starting the local Special Olympics, a testament to her compassion and dedication to inclusion. She not only led Coats for Kids but was involved in numerous fundraising activities in the area, in addition to her work with Finney Impression Die Company. Shirley's business acumen shone as she ran the office, managing the affairs of the family business with both grace and efficiency.

Eventually, it became clear that they were needed back home to lend a hand to Gene's aging father, so they retired and returned to their roots, moving back to his family's farm some twenty years ago. On the farm, Shirley's passion for life flourished. She and Gene took joy in gardening, making strawberry jam, and pressing apples every fall-a tradition so cherished that her high school class president, John Heath, scheduled reunions to ensure that he could take home their delicious cider! The couple's love for family gatherings was renowned, and Shirley's active participation in the life of her family of faith, the Bellair Church of Christ, was nothing short of inspiring, as she taught children's Sunday school for many years.

It must be said that creativity ran deep in Shirley's veins. Her home was often adorned with the beauty of her favorite marigolds and countless other blossoms. After the heartbreaking loss of her son, Shirley found solace in painting-a talent that blossomed as vibrantly as the flowers in her garden.

What did Shirley Finney plant if not an exquisite garden of memory into the hearts and minds of those fortunate to have known her? She was a beacon of faith and love and demonstrated these qualities by being good to so many people, touching their lives with her generous spirit and warm heart. Her legacy is cherished by her devoted husband of 68 years, Gene Finney; their children, Pam Keating (Jeffersontown, KY) and Dana Finney (Greenwood, SC); their grandchildren, Courtney & Angela Woods, Ryan Troy Woods, Heather Woods, and Travis & Tara Finney; their great-grandchildren, Corey & Paige, Jackson, Maggie, Kelsey, Kayleb, Nick, Jacob and Brianna; her brother, Richard McNabb (Robinson, IL); her sister & brother-in-law, Anita & Sonny Potts (Lawrenceville, IL); her sister-in-law, Doris Adams (Huntsville, AL); and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank H. & Zelma I. (Miller) McNabb; her parents-in-law, Arthur & Clorean (Brandenburg) Finney; her brother-in-law, Robert Adams; and her son, Kelly Ryan Finney.

Her family would like to thank Krista, Becky, Savannah, Michelle, and the other home healthcare workers who compassionately cared for Shirley in the twilight of her life.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3rd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Larry Abraham officiating. Burial will be in the Walnut Cemetery (Johnson Township, Clark County, IL). Memorials may be made to the "Bellair Church of Christ", with envelopes at the funeral home.