Rachel J. Finley

Rachel Janette (Swartz) Finley was born on September 6, 1932, to Arley and Millie Swartz in Willburn, Arkansas, Cleburne County at the home of her dear Aunt Nettie. A few years later they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. When Rachel was 11 years old she was thrilled to welcome the birth of a little sister, Sharon, who she's always treasured. Rachel lived the remainder of her life in Tulsa, OK. She attended Central High School graduating in1950 before attending Draughn's Business School. She attended Springdale Baptist Church where she met and began dating Bill Finley. They were married November 17,1951 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Together they daily enjoyed the presence of the Tulsa World Newspaper, crossword puzzles, daily Bible reading and The Wheel of Fortune. Rachel and Bill became members of Trinity Baptist Church where they were consistently involved for over 70 years. Rachel served in many capacities of the church including Women's Missionary Union president, 5 year old Sunday School class teacher, and a faithful member of the Adult Choir. She delighted in being active in the senior citizen dinners and bus trips with the Trinity Keenagers. Rachel was also a member of the Gideons Women's Auxiliary. Rachel loved her family and home where she was a wonderful stay at home mother and wife while her children were young. She particularly enjoyed taking family vacations to Arkansas, California and skiing in Colorado. Later she owned a Wedding Reception business where she provided wedding receptions, which involved her family "secret punch recipe", for many young ladies in the community. In 1976 she began working as supervisor of JC Penney's Catalog department where she retired after 20 years. Rachel was raised to be a dignified and proper young lady and continued that demeanor throughout her life. She exemplified faithfulness and commitment to God and her family. She was the glue that kept them all close. Rachel was small in stature yet a giant in strength. Her strength was witnessed by her children as she transitioned her journey to heaven. She's at peace now and embracing her reward. She is preceded in death by her husband, William D. Finley; parents Millie Swartz and Arley Swartz. She is survived by her children, Debbie Talley and husband, Doug; Gary Finley, Vicki LaFave and husband, Larry and Judy Garrison and husband, Darrell; Grandchildren Whitney Barth and husband, Aaron; Brent Talley and wife Andrea; Gregg Talley; Emily Elseman and husband, Fielding; Kyle Garrison and wife, Amanda; Kathryn Robbins and husband, Chance; Hayley Rachel (namesake) Hood and husband, Davis; and Natalie Taylor; 15 Great-Grandchildren, Easton Barth and wife, Bradi, McKinley Barth; Fitzgerald, Ellivia, Finley, Emogen and Freya Elseman; Rowen, Sawyer and Chandler Talley; Burke and Mack Garrison; and Hudson, Jackson and Sophie Robbins; Sister, Sharon Grandi and husband John and Sister in Law Saundra Johnston and a host of other family and friends. Viewing will be Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 10AM - 8PM and family will receive friends from 5PM - 7PM at Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 10AM, Friday, July 11, 2025 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 5111 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make donations to Gideons International.

Rachel J. Finley

September 6, 1932 - July 3, 2025