Alma Pearl Finlayson

Alma Pearl Finlayson, 91, formerly of Barnes, Kansas, died Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Cambridge Place in Marysville. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, at the United Methodist Church in Barnes. Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiated. The musicians were Judy Springer, Dr. James Smart and Sheila Ouellette. Music included “In the Garden” and “How Great Thou Art”. The honorary pallbearers were Richard Woltje, Gilbert Jorgenson, Duane Hynek, Mike White, Dennis White, Jr., Calvin Wiechman and Chuck Walter. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Alma Pearl was born at rural Morrowville, Kansas on April 7, 1919 to Eanest Albert and Clara (Davis) Sewell. She graduated from Morrowville High School. On May 28, 1938 she married Ernest Finlayson at the Marshall County Courthouse. Together they owned and operated Finlayson Sand and Gravel. Alma was a 60+ year member of the Barnes United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Ladies Club, taught Sunday school, helped with Bible school and helped make church meals. Alma loved to cook. She took great pride in her rolls that she would make for church functions. Also, when Ernest and the children caught fish she enjoyed preparing them to cook. Alma also liked to travel. Alma and Ernest went to Hawaii after their 40th Anniversary. She was a 4H leader over 10 years. Spending time with the grandchildren brought her great joy. All the grandchildren would spend a couple weeks at her house in the summer. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest, on September 2, 1998; brothers, Eanest “Bub” Sewell and Kermit Sewell; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Survivors include three daughters, Mary (Martin) Weber, Barnes, Lois (Alvin) Wiechman, Salina, Ella (Carl) Massey, Washington; sisters-in-law, Carol Finlayson, Manhattan, Velma Merritt, Linn, and Mary Finlayson, Washington; eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and twenty-two great-great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to the church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alma Pearl Finlayson, please visit our flower store.