Jana Finley - Oct. 31, 2024

Jana Finley would have hated the fact that we have gathered here to talk about her. In fact, not many people even knew she had cancer because she didn’t want people to talk about her. But . . . no life should pass without people being able to remember and thank God for that life.

So, will you pray with me?

Father, help us to remember the way Jana lived and the way she served our community. As we grieve, prop us up, and give us the hope that comes from you alone. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jane Finley was a “surprise” (but very welcomed) baby when she was born May 4, 1970. After the birth of her brother John her mom was told she could not have any other children. About six year later when Betty learned she was pregnant, the whole family was ecstatic.

Jana was outgoing and filled with questions as a child. She grew up as a daddy’s girl. She liked to tag along with her dad when he would go out hunting or fishing.

As an adult, it was hard to get to know Jana. She possessed a cautious exterior and was a private person. Yet, she was a devoted mother to Ashley, Brittni, and Bradee. She worked hard to raise her kids. She liked to go kayaking, but she was a kayaker who wanted to travel good distances while her girls preferred a more leisurely kayaking trip. When traveling with the girls she would turn up the music in the car and sing and dance. She loved being active. I’m told she enjoyed the backyard volleyball games and “cutthroat” games of Uno. You could say she was a tad competitive.

Bradee tried to get her mom into video games. Jana liked the game Spiral and did play some Mario Cart on Bradee’s “Switch.” That game left Jana frustrated.

She advised her girls to ‘stay away from guys”: and to “be independent”. She wanted her daughters to be self-sufficient. She was proud of all three of them.

She loved being a grandma. And I suspect she was an entirely different person when she was with the grandkids. She gave her love to them freely and fully.

She was close to her niece Michelle and had been close to her brother and Travis in earlier years as well.

It would be wrong not to mention her love for her cat Jasper.

Jana worked hard to care for her mom and dad when they were sick. She would drive her dad around at night when she got off of work because she knew he would enjoy it.

Her girls followed her example and took excellent care of their mom.

She loved to volunteer. She helped out with Girl Scouts, and volunteered at the fire station, often manning the radio when needed. She spent 20 years as an EMT.

As I understand the story, her very first call on the ambulance was to the cemetery. The person mowing the grass had a heart attack. Jana was a valuable member of the EMT crew. Her years of experience were used to help many people going through a crisis.

Jana worked in housekeeping and food service at the Nursing home but would often take time to visit with the residents. It bothered her that it seemed some residents were dropped off and never visited again. Jana had a heart of compassion.

Many of us saw Jana when she worked at the store or at the Country Café. The thing is, for most of us, we didn’t get much of a chance to see these fun sides of Jana. You had to earn the right to know her in that way. She was cautious around people.

Jana had a sense of humor that was heavy on the sarcastic side. If you didn’t understand her sarcasm, you would think she was mean. When you tried to engage her in conversation, she was likely to respond with an economy of words. You had to work to get to know her. Yet, she had a giving heart.

Jana fought her cancer for several years and died on October 28 at her home.

*****

I don’t remember Jana ever being in church for a regular service, but she was there for Ashley and Landon’s wedding. And that part of her personality makes it tough today. We want to know where Jana was when it comes to her faith. We want to know if she had confessed her sin and claimed the hope of the gospel that says, “Those who put their trust in Christ will live, even though they die.” But Jana was private.

Jana would not have cared for the organized church but that doesn’t mean she didn’t love the Lord. When I prayed with her a couple of weeks ago, she didn’t cuss me out, she was quiet and let the tears out . . . just a little.

In the book of Ecclesiastes 7 we are told,

A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.

And the day you die is better than the day you are born.

The last sentence may seem odd. Why would the day you die be better than the day you were born. Well, on the day you are born you begin the process of growth and the pain and frustration that often comes with it. From that moment on it seems like the process of decay also begins. Life has its good times, but it also is filled with heartache, sometimes broken relationships, disappointments, and yes, disease. The day we die, if we are followers of Christ, is the day we become what we were created to be and enjoy an unbroken relationship with God. The Bible likens a burial to a seed being planted in the ground. It says what is planted is not what it will become. In a farming community, we understand the illustration. Bushels upon bushels of corn and soybeans are harvested from little seeds planted in the ground.

From this side of the grave none of this is good. The first thing I said to Jana when I saw her last, was, “This sucks.” Death and decay are not pleasant. But the hope of the gospel is that there is life after death. And maybe it is wrong to even call it “life” because we associate “life” with the pain and frustration. But, perhaps calling it “eternal life” gives us some of the change of perspective that we need.

None of us is good and that is why Jesus came to earth ad ck

Jana knew the message of the gospel and she had a lot of time to reflect on life and death over the last two years and I entrust her to the hands and heart of the one who always does what is right.

And as we stand here today, I hope we reflect on a few things.

1) Life is short and we ought to make the most of our days.

2) Not everyone who seems like a grouch, is a grouch. Some people are simply reluctant to let anyone in until they are sure the person is worth opening your heart to.

3) People in the church may disappoint us, but our faith is not to be placed in the church but in Jesus. He is the one who will never disappoint.

4) Though faith is a private matter, it is helpful if your family knows how you view eternity.

5) If you are going to live life, you might as well live it with everything that you have. . . even when playing UNO.

6) When all is said and done the only opinion that matters about you is that of the Lord Himself.

With all this, we now commit Jana Finley to the Lord who loves her more than she could have imagined.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, thank you for Jana. From our perspective she left us way too soon. We admit we have some questions that start with “Why?” However, we affirm our trust in You and we entrust Jana to you. Grant comfort and many great memories to these family members. For we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen

[Blessing]