Carmen Lou Finch, 91, of Tulsa, died Thursday October 17th, at Montereau Retirement Community. Carmen was born on January 18, 1933 in Clark, South Dakota, the daughter of Willard and Viva (Carter) Benson. Carmen and her family moved to Cedar Falls Iowa in her early years. She graduated from Iowa State Teacher's College High School (currently known as University of Northern Iowa) in 1951. In 1953 she married the love of her life, Kenneth E Finch. They were married 69 years when Ken passed in May 2023. They made their first home in Iowa City Iowa while Ken finished his college degree. This is where they became parents to daughter Diane. They moved to Dallas in 1954 and would live there 6 years during which time welcoming their 2nd daughter Jody. In 1960 they would make their final city change to have Tulsa become home. Welcoming their third daughter Tami in 1968. Carmen spent her years raising the girls and caring for others. She was very outgoing and loved to entertain family and friends. And celebrating holidays. Carmen and Ken have been active members of Asbury United Methodist Church for many years.
Carmen was a wonderful caretaker for her family. She loved and enjoyed her family with all her heart. She was a devoted Christian, daughter, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She always put others before herself and wanted to take care of her family in the best way possible. She was always there when you needed her with a listening ear or advice. She had a gentle spirit and beautiful soul, always quick to tell stories and make you laugh. She was caring, an encourager, and your biggest cheerleader, as well as the most loyal person. She loved spending time with her family and friends.
Carmen was preceded in death by her husband Ken, her parents Willard and Viva Benson, her daughter Jody Finch and Son in Law, Chris Howlett. Her sisters Sharon Hess, Carol Lough and Charlene Benson (at birth). And a brother Donald Benson (at birth).
Left to mourn their loss and cherish their memories are her two daughters, Diane Kelly of Claremore and Tami (Butch) McFee of Tulsa. Granddaughters Sarah (Chris) Hayes, Brenda (Tony) Newcomb, Alex (Reed) Scroggs, Morgan (Matthew) Stevens. And 8 Great grandchildren. Kenley, Corbin, Millie, Owen, Rory, Wesley, Hudson and Ford.