Geraldine Finley

Geraldine Emma Finley, 89, of Perry, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Geraldine was born February 28, 1937, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Harry and Bertha Frank. She married Billy Merrill "One-Curl" Finley on August 19, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Perry, and they shared 50 wonderful years together. Billy called her "Precious," and the name stuck. It was what everyone who loved her called her, because it fit.

Geraldine began her banking career in 1954 at The First National Bank in Perry under Mr. Plummer, where she served for 39½ years until the arrival of her first grandchild, Taylor. She then spent another 19½ years at The Exchange Bank, for a total of 59 years serving the people of Perry. She was a legend at her teller window, where customers would happily stand in line rather than go to another teller, because "Geraldine knows my stuff better than I do." She was promoted to teller supervisor and continued working until age 79, when Chuck Hall made her the bank's permanent greeter.

Geraldine's faith was the center of her life. She was a pillar of Zion Lutheran Church in Perry, the church her grandparents helped build some 125 years ago after coming from Germany to settle the Cherokee Strip. She and Billy were married there, and she served her church faithfully to the very end. Her family lovingly called her "the Church Lady," and she wore the title with joy. On the day she went home, she and her pastor said the Lord's Prayer together, and she never missed a beat.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bertha Frank, and her beloved husband, Billy, on February 5, 2007.

She is survived by her children, Brad Finley and his wife of 39 years, Melissa, of Perry; Ryan Finley and wife Keri of Sarasota, Florida; and Julie Smalley and husband Todd of Coyle. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Harry Frank; her grandchildren, Taylor Finley Matturri and husband Christopher of New York City, Mackenzie Burke and husband Alex of Nashville, Tennessee, and Tate Finley of Huntsville, Alabama; and many cousins, church family, and friends who loved her.

Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Perry, with Pastor Dan Thimell officiating, Friday, October 16, 2026 at 2 p. m. Following the celebration, she will be taken to her final place of rest at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home of Perry. Online condolences may be made at www.troutperry.com