Sondra Finley

Sondra Ruth Finley, 63, of Colby, died Friday, March 8, 2024. She was born in St. Francis, KS, on October 4, 1960, to Gary and Ilene (Eggers) O’Leary. Sondra graduated from St. Francis High School in 1978 and later attended Colby Community College to achieve her Degree in Business. She was united in marriage to Michael Finley on December 25, 1977, and to this union, eight children were born. Sondra worked for several businesses around town. Most recently, she worked at Tweed Insurance Agency and was the Technology teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School for 13 years.

Sondra enjoyed many hobbies, including solving computer problems, sewing, gardening, and cooking, and was a staple at wrestling and swim meets. She loved to sew many things, including Mike’s western shirts, Barbie clothing, and blankets; and shared her joy of sewing with her family. She loved to bake sugar cookies and pies and assemble Christmas cookie platters. In the summer she spent time tending to her flowers and growing tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries in her garden. Sondra loved to swim, and she shared this passion with many kids over her 25 years as the Colby Swim Team coach. But her favorite thing to do was spend time with her kids and grandkids.

Sondra was preceded in death by her father, Gary O’Leary.

She is survived by her mother Ilene O’Leary; husband Mike; children, Jennifer Finley (Sean Halladay), Justin (Kayla) Finley, Taylor (Shea) Finley, Emilea (Chris) George, Kyle (Adelaide) Finley, Travis Finley, Kory Finley and Kourtney Finley; grandchildren, Avery and Quinn Halladay; Brielle, Sadie, Katelyn and Abigail Finley; Legend, Noble, Wynter, Reign and Brave Finley; Alirah and Tristan George; Elliana, Philomena, Bosco and Roman Finley.

Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Colby Swim Club, Sacred Heart Church, or Sacred Heart School and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com