Ellen Finley

Ellen Lenor Allen Finley, also known as "Mom", "Gamma", "Gam" and "Blondie", went to be with Her Lord, Friday, July 21, 2017. She was also reunited with the other love of her life , Nick C. Finley, Sr. ("Pickin"), her loving husband of almost 50 years. Ellen Allen was born July 5, 1923, in Centerpoint, Texas, to Sam and Julia Allen, being the third of four siblings. Growing up the daughter of a rancher and government trapper, her family lived in Big Wells and Catarina, before she moved to Bandera to live with her older sister, Melesse ("Leese") Rugh and brother-in-law Ashley. It was here that she attended Bandera High School, and among many accomplishments, became a legend on the dance floor. Shortly after graduation, fate moved Ellen to Uvalde and quickly orchestrated her meeting of a local rancher named Nick. While working at Horner's Department Store, the two were introduced, and after a "short" courtship, were married. They settled in their beloved home on High Street, where they raised their two sons, Nick, Jr. and Deets. Ellen remained at this home for the duration of her life, as a consistent staple of Uvalde community. Her first love was her Savior, Jesus Christ, followed closely by the love for her husband and family. She was the superlative embodiment of selfless love and dedicated service, while displaying the God-given gifts of intercessory prayer and hospitality. She applied these faithfully as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, friend, church member and "community mother" to the many friends of her children and grandchildren. She was uncompromisingly gracious and loving to all. She never missed an opportunity to host at a moment's notice, as many will have fond memories of the always available, home-cooked food, and her famous self-made, rice crispy treats and popsicles. The doors of the church seldom opened without her obvious presence of loving everyone she could get her hands on. She faithfully served many ministries, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Women's Circle and Sunbeams, just to name a few. She was an actively-involved mother, supporting her sons in may activities including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Football. She was enamored by God's creatures, while she had a particular affinity for dogs. She was an avid traveler, having many opportunities to see distant places and cultures with her husband over the years. She maintained her loving selflessness, her keen wit, her spry memory and her devoted faith until her peaceful transition to eternity, where she simply closed her eyes. She is preceded in death by: her husband, Nick Finley Sr. (Uvalde); her sister, Meleese Rugh (Bandera); her brother, Gene Allen (Carrizo Springs); her daughter-in-law, Ann Finley (Uvalde) and other beloved family members, including Ronnie and Carolyn Rugh (Tarpley). She is survived by: her sister, Nita Collingsworth (Nashville, TN); her two sons, Nick Finley, Jr. (Uvalde) and Deets Finley and wife, Tina (Boerne), 9 grandchildren and their spouses, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great granchild, many nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends, including Becky Flores, who was her cherished companion and caregiver in the beautiful twilight of her life. A memorial service will celebrate Ellen's life at 1:00 PM Wednesday, July 26th, 2017 at First Baptist Church Uvalde, with a reception following at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Uvalde's Building Fund.

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