Janet Marie (Adkins) Finley

I traded my earthly home for my mansion in the sky in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 9, 2021 surrounded only by my fur babies, which was my wish, as I did not want my final breath etched in the minds of my family members, as Bob’s was mine. I loved my family dearly and as I leave this world, I want to think they all loved me the same – or in their own special way.

I was born in Crooksville at 5:30am on April 21,1939 to the late Clarence L. and Dorothy E. (McIntyre) Adkins.

During my first 18 years, I was raised in the Crooksville Free Methodist Church. During my teen years I was a member of the Bible Quiz Team, traveling extensively throughout Ohio and Indiana, competing with other church quiz teams. I got my education through the Crooksville School system, attending McLuney, North, East, Jr. High and graduating with the class of 1957 from Crooksville High School.

I went to work for Prudential Insurance Company in Zanesville, later transferring to Waukegan, IL while my husband was stationed at Fort Sheridan, IL. When he received his overseas order, I returned to Perry/Muskingum counties, going to work for Ernest B. Graham, Jr., CPA, later known as McLain Hill, Rugg & Associates. I worked there for 20 plus years. I opened my bookkeeping and tax service, working out of my home, which I operated while working for W.J. Howdyshell, Attorney and Wolfe’s Huff & Puff. My final “outside job” was for the United States Post Office in South Zanesville. I worked there for several years, retiring for family and health issues.

During my “spare time” I loved to camp, bowl, go roller skating with the scouts, gardening and canning. But most of all I loved to spend time with my family. I will always cherish our huge Thanksgiving dinners and the get togethers on Christmas Eve.

I met my husband Bob while attending Meredith Business College. We were married on August 16, 1958 in Liberty, IN. We had three sons: Eric Sr., Jeffrey and Michael. We had five biological grandchildren and the icing on the cake was the two great grandchildren. We had two adopted children and five adopted grandchildren.

We later transferred our church memberships to the Iliff United Methodist Church, where we remained members until just after my husband passed away. Then the minister and the board requested we withdraw out memberships, due to the fact we were not attending church on a regular basis. But my Sunday job and family health issues did not always permit attending. They didn’t want to have to pay the conference for non-attending members. Thank God I kept my membership in God’s heavenly church.

Leaving to mourn my passing were sons: Eric (Kellie Smith) Finley Sr., Jeffrey (Samantha) Finley and Michael (Rachael) Finley; my 12 grandchildren: Eric (Heidi) Finley Jr., Samantha (Justin Woosley) Finley, Tyler (Shelby) Finley, William (Brittany) Finley ,Camden Finley, Austin Wells, Connie Wells, Jessica Wells, Haleigh Caplinger, Jacob Finley, Robert Finley, Gabriel Finley, and Aubrey Baker; special friends: Josh Snouffer, Jarrod and Michelle Norman, Eleanor Reichley and family of New Lexington, Pat Neader of Crooksville, the sister I never had Barabara (Roger) Severt of Stockport, Mike and Jan Ferguson of New Lexington, Rev. Leland and Carol M. Allman of Cincinnati and many others too numerous to mention.

Predeceasing me were my paternal grandparents William and Edith Adkins; my paternal great grandparents Joseph and Anna Stalling; my maternal grandparents John and Hazel McIntyre; my maternal great grandparents Charles and Anna Hammer; my grandson-in-law Mitchell Gibbs, who was killed in an auto accident just one month before his beautiful daughter Storm was born; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Per my request, I only want graveside services. No calling hours, service, etc. So, until we can meet on the other side as a loving and functional family, I remain your loving mom. Please do not disappoint me guys. A Graveside service will be held at noon on Wednesday December  15 at Mt. Horeb Cemetery with Pastor Rick Cline Officiating.

In closing, I want to thank my close neighbors for the care, compassion and help offered me, during my recuperation from back surgery in September and my heart attack in March. You know who you aren’t, just remember KARMA.

THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, has the distinct honor of serving the Finley family.

To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on facebook, or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.

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