Mary Ellen Finley

Mary Ellen Finley, recently of Tucson, Ariz., passed away peacefully with her husband "Cotton" and two of her children at her side on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. Mary was born on Dec. 15, 1931, in Brazil, Ind., to Wilbur and Hazel Grenhoff. She lived in Jackson, Mich., and surrounding communities until her retirement. She and Cotton retired to Bella Vista Ark., and spent their retirement years golfing in several leagues, playing bridge, and entertaining friends and family. She was an active member of St. Bernard's C.C. in Bella Vista, Ark. After living in numerous cities during her life, Mary and Cotton considered Bella Vista to be home. She leaves numerous friends, special people she considered family in Bella Vista. Mary had begun her working career in the floral business first with her parents in Indiana and later with different floral businesses in Jackson, Mich. She remained very active creating her arrangements and decorating for her home long into her retirement. In 1968, she began her career as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service, working nights at the Jackson Post Office, then advancing to window clerk and finished her career as a Postmaster. During those years she served as OIC in Cement City, Homer, and the Ionia Post Offices, and as Postmaster in Stockbridge, and retired as Postmaster from the Jonesville Post Office in 1991. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Earl "Cotton" Finley; and her five children, Marla (David) Gilpin, Gregory (Susan), Jill Jacobson, Thomas (Betty) and Joe. She also leaves nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lois Irwin and brother-in-law, J.V. "Babe" Irwin; her daughter-in-law, Terri (Jackman) Finley; and her special brother-in-law and friend, H. Richard Finley. A memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Villa Hermosa in Tucson, Ariz. Mary has been cremated. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, to send a note, a story or photographs to Earl "Cotton" Finley at 6300 E. Speedway Blvd., Apt 1144, Tucson, AZ 85710.