Darlene Finch

Darlene Icel Finch passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on September 20, 2024. She was born on December 16, 1927, in Round Grove, Missouri to Harley and Faye Merrick. She moved to Springfield, Missouri at the age of 18 where she met the love of her life. She married Francis Michael Finch on October 7, 1950.

Darlene was a long time and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she remained active even as her health declined. She volunteered for many causes including St. Joseph and St. Agnes lunchroom, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Mercy Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, picking dandelions, picking up sticks in her yard, seeing how many stickers she could get on a card, visiting with friends, and being the best grandma (especially with back rubs).

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Francis Finch; her parents Harley and Faye Merrick, and siblings Dora Lee Merrick, Aubrey Dean Merrick, Sterling Ansel Merrick and Geneva Rose (Merrick) Lucas.

Darlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Julie and Jay Sebek, and Julie’s sons, Matthew (Annie) McClanahan and their children Spencer and Cynthea; Joshua (Sarah) McClanahan and their children Kaya and Ada. Her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Ellen Finch and their children Katherine Finch, Hannah (Mark) Dunford and their children Lochlan and Isla; and many nieces, nephews and close friends; also, a special shout out to her cat Nicodemus.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m., to 2:30 p.m., with the Rosary immediately following on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 30, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1609 N. Summit, Springfield, Missouri 65803.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., September 30, 2024, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri 65804.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Marantha Village and Access Hospice Care for the loving care given to Darlene.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.