Ethel Finlay

Ethel Nadine (Beeler) Finlay, 84, of Quincy, passed away peacefully with her family on February 1, 2023, at Blessing Hospital. Ethel was born February 12,1938, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Carl and Hilda (Allen) Beeler of Lima, Illinois.

Unity High School was a big part of Ethel’s life. She was a graduate of Unity, met her future husband Paul Finlay of Mendon there, married him June 21,1958, and was a devoted wife to him for almost 65 years. Ethel worked as a Unity school secretary for 34 years and supported her children in their Unity sports and activities. She was a longtime member of First Congregational Church of Mendon, the Adams County Homemaker Extension and a volunteer with the Adams County EMT Service. Since retiring, Ethel and Paul moved from their farm in Mendon to Quincy and enjoyed their time as snowbirds in Florida. Ethel enjoyed baking, reading, camping with family, playing cards with friends and painting. Ethel will be remembered for her kindest, support and love for her husband, children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed and appreciated times spent with her children and grandchildren.

Ethel is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Tim (Joni) Finlay of Quincy, Paula Finlay of St. Louis, and Mike (Debra) Finlay of Mendon; grandchildren, Sullivan, Sophie, and Sarah Finlay; Henry, Grace, and Anna Luepke; and, Matthew and Daniel Finlay; siblings, Harry (Rita) Beeler of Cosmopolis, Washington, and Ruth Dulaney of Aledo, Illinois; brother-in-law, Rusty Gernandt and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Thelma Gernandt.

The family expresses its deepest gratitude to all those at Blessing Hospital who provided care for Ethel in her final weeks.

Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2023 at the Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 with Pastor Marty Pressey officiating at the Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois.

Graveside services will immediately follow services at Mendon Town Cemetery.