Elizabeth Finch
February 17, 2014
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Nancy Elizabeth “Betty” Lemon Finch was born June 10, 1918 on a farm near Hartford, Iowa. She passed peacefully away Monday, February 17, 2014 at the age of 95, surrounded by the caring staff of Prime Tower, her home for the last twenty years. She joins her parents, Irvin and Emily Pyle, and only brother, Lawrence, who preceded her in death.
After graduation from Hartford High School, she attended Simpson College, graduating with her teaching certificate. She started her teaching career in Winterset and continued for eleven years. She met Robert “Bob” C. Lemon and they were married on November 28, 1940. They had four sons, Robert J. Lemon, Dennis C. Lemon, Larry D. Lemon, and Keith E. Lemon, who were their pride and joy. They operated Bob and Betty’s Flower Shop in Winterset until 1953. In 1961, the family moved to West Des Moines, Iowa where Betty taught school in the West Des Moines school system at the Phenix Elementary School for nineteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Drake University in 1967. Her husband, Bob, passed away in 1973.
After thirty years of teaching, she retired and married Harold Finch on December 21, 1980 and moved to the farm on the south side of Des Moines.
She became a member of the Norwalk Methodist Church where she enjoyed many new friends. She also was a charter member and helped to organize the new P.E.O. Chapter in Norwalk.
Her husband Harold passed away October 2, 1992.
In April 1994, Betty moved to Heather Manor, now called Prime Tower where she enjoyed her new community.
Elizabeth is survived by her loving family – sons: Robert J. Lemon (Kathleen F.), Dennis Charles Lemon (Cynthia V.), Larry Dwayne Lemon (Linda C.), and Keith Eugene Lemon (Pony); grandchildren: Robert J. II, Kathleen M., Leah Elizabeth, Michael Brian, Matthew Dwayne, Travis Elliott, and Sloan Elizabeth.
Services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hartford Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Greg Fowler
03/06/2014
Dear Keith,
I was so sorry to hear of your mom passing away. I just heard from my mom about it. I have such great memories of your mom when we were kids. She was a very special mom.
I hope you are well.
Your old friend,
Greg Fowler
Rob Savage
02/22/2014
Without question, she was one of my favorite teachers at Phenix. While I ran across this memorial by accident, I was recently thinking about her and my time at Phenix.
Marilyn Septer Coleman
02/21/2014
I am sorry I was unable to come to Hamiltons to pay my respects today -- "Mrs. Lemon" was a very special 3rd grade teacher to me at Phenix in 1966. I have great memories of her and of elementary school, for which I Thank God. God bless all who love her - Sincerest Sympathy in your loss. Remember: As Christians we never see each other for the last time.
Pr. Alfred and Marion Walck
02/21/2014
We conducted services at Heather Manor/Prime Towers, and Betty always welcomed everyone, helping organize the services. She was cheerful and welcoming, gracious, helpful, and kind. We will miss her. We related because my wife and she always talked with her about her four sons and our four sons. Our sympathy to you all! .
Judy Wray
02/20/2014
Your mother Betty was the first person we met when our mother Lucille Haley went to Prime Towers Nursing Center. She was always kind to our mom. Betty was a special person. With sincere sympathy, Judy Wray
Bill and Judy Coldiron
02/20/2014
We are thinking of you at this sad time. We have so many wonderful memories of Betty through our years at Phenix School. She was always a caring effective teacher and a good friend to everyone.
Janet Hanusa
02/20/2014
Our sympathy to you. We have good memories of Betty when my husband, Rev. George, did the once a month services at Heather Manor/Prime Towers. Also I had connections with Betty via the WDM School District. I was in the office at Clegg Park School for 16 or so years She was a special person to many people. God's peace. Janet Hanusa
Lily and Ray Pockrandt
02/20/2014
Memories of 14th Street - what a wonderful street for all the children to play - and now you are all the ages that we Moms were in the 50's - your Mom and your home were such a great place for all to gather. Your Mom always had a smile on her face.
Joe Willis
02/20/2014
Larry-
Sorry for the loss of your mother. I know she had a great run at being chronologically gifted, but it is still your momma.
Michael W. O'Malley
02/20/2014
I'm sorry to hear of Betty's passing. I enjoyed working with her on various legal matters. My condolences to the family.
Mark and Susan Misejka
02/19/2014
Jim and Kathy our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family
Tracey Contreras
02/19/2014
My sincere condolences goes out to the entire family for your loss. Praying that you find peace during this difficult time. Thinking of you!!!
Glennice Hubbard
02/19/2014
Thinking of you and the entire family during this very difficult time. I pray that you can find peace during your time of sorrow. Sincere condolences to ALL of you!!!!!!!
Cylvia Toy
02/19/2014
It's a remarkable thing when you have only happy memories of someone. Betty was that kind of person. When we remember Betty, we remember love, kindness, joy, and laughter. May all the family be sustained through this time of sorrow by the joyful memories of your much loved mother and grandmother. Sincere condolences to the family.