Dolores E. Finklea

Dolores E. Finklea was born June 5, 1925 to Vlasta (Churda) and Jermial “Jerry” Mares in Morse Bluff, Nebraska. She passed away June 3, 2019 – two days before her 94th birthday in Romeo, Michigan. As a child, her parents were tenant farmers, so she attended various schools in the Omaha area. She met her first husband, Wayne Snow, while working in an ice cream parlor in Omaha. He was working in a warehouse. They married in 1941 in Papillion, NE and had two daughters: Gwen and Carol. When Wayne was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946, the family moved to Michigan; they divorced in the 1960’s and he passed away in 2009. Dolores married Lucien “Luke” Finklea in 1968 in Dearborn, MI; they moved from Dearborn Heights, MI to Jackson, MI then to the Kalamazoo area for many years. Luke died in 1997. Dolores enjoyed being a homemaker while her daughters were in school, and eventually worked a few office jobs. Over the years, she was involved in her daughters’ school activities, card clubs, and bowling. She was on sponsored bowling leagues, and for a few years worked the front desk at Thunderbowl Arena in Allen Park, MI. She was outgoing and loved meeting people. Following Luke’s passing, she joined a Widows-Widowers Club in Kalamazoo, MI and became an officer, which she took very seriously. It became her social group until a broken shoulder caused her to move closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Ed. A few years later, another fall resulted in her admission into the Wellbridge Health Facility in Romeo, MI where she spent her last 19 months. Dolores is survived by two daughters: Carol (Jim) Kent of Arizona and Gwen Snow (Ed Malinowski) of Washington Township, MI. Three grandchildren: John (Mariko) Hull of Torrence, CA, Jeff Hull of Seattle, WA, and Jennifer (Gavin) Dillon of Sacramento, CA. Three Great-Grandchildren: Rachel, Lindsey, Ryan Dillon of Sacramento, CA.Two sisters-in-law: Soni Mares of San Francisco, CA and Pat Mares of Omaha, NE. Nephew, Dave (Robin) Mares of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Nieces: Pam (Cliff) Howe of Omaha, NE Kathy Oberembt of Elkhorn, NE Courtney (Christopher) Jeffers of Los Altos, CA Marney (Michael) Dyer of San Jose, CA. Great Nieces: Stacy Oberembt of Omaha, NE Mallory Mares of Texas. Great Nephew: Eric (Natalie) Oberembt of Valley, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers: Delton Mares and Milton Mares. Funeral services will take place on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 7 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 3 to 8. Burial will take place on June 10, 2019 at 10 AM next to Luke at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. (near Battle Creek). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Samaritan House (62324 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48094)