Jerilyn Finch

Jerilyn died of cancer on Feb 22, 2016 in Mesquite NV at the age of 73. She was born on May 8, 1942 in Langdon, ND. Jerilyn’s friends called her "Jeri" and her grandchildren called her "JJ". She was preceded in death by: her parents Avon and Geraldine Thom; a sister, Bonnie Bakker and; an infant son, Larry.

Jeri is survived by: her husband of 54 years, Ed; three sons, Lance Finch (Judy) of Thermopolis, WY; Curtis Finch (Courtney) of Houston, TX and; Joel Finch (Lynn) of Coulee City, WA as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jeri graduated from Worland High School in 1960 and, in 1961, married her high school sweetheart in Worland, WY. Jeri was a loving and caring woman but she was also ambitious—she wanted to be married to a doctor. So, after two years of college, she went to work and put her husband through school until he finally obtained his doctorate in physics at the University of WY in 1967.

Jeri and her husband, working in science, lived in New Mexico, Massachusetts, Maryland and Australia before returning to Wyoming in 1977. After returning to Wyoming they owned and operated an oil and gas drilling company for 30 years. After selling the business in 2006, they retired—spending winter months in Mesquite, NV and summer months in Riverton, WY. Jeri had many friends in Wyoming, Nevada and elsewhere. In retirement Jeri and her husband enjoyed line dancing and teaching line dancing.

Jeri’s family and friends, many of them line dancers and musicians, walked with her and supported her through her battle with cancer. She and her family will be eternally grateful for their love and support.

Jeri, at her request, has been cremated. No services will be held at this time but celebrations of her life will be held at later dates—to be determined. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their "Guest Book".

Jeri’s Smile

Jeri’s smile---what a beautiful sight

I’m drawn to her---like a moth to light

I can’t help it---I’m moving closer

Somehow I feel---I want to know her

She turns toward me---and says hello

I say:--"you remind me of someone I know"

This isn’t true---but I break the ice

She smiles and says:---"that’s so nice"

I see the twinkle---in her eye

She smiles again---lights up the sky

Jeri’s smile---what a beautiful sight

Somehow it makes---everything right

We talk a while---I tell her my problems

She seems concerned—asks more about them

She holds my hand---and softens her smile

I’m feeling better---at least for a while

I can’t believe---what I see

A tear in her eye---she cares about me

Jeri’s gone now---we miss her so

Her smile, her memories---will never go

Jeri’s smile---what a beautiful sight

We were drawn to her---like a moth to light