Mary Ellen Finlay

Mary Ellen Finlay, Emporia, Kansas, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Newman Regional Health. She was 95 years old.

Mary was born on May 16, 1929, in rural Coffey County, Kansas, the daughter of John D. and Nellie (Richardson) Waugh. She graduated from Burlington High School. Mary married Joseph Daniel “J.D.” Orear in Coffey County on June 19, 1949. He died on January 4, 2004. She later married Robert Finlay in Emporia, Kansas, on July 9, 2011. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include son John David (Linda) Orear, Emporia, Kansas; daughter Cynthia “Cindy” (Michael, who passed) Fowler, Emporia, Kansas; daughter-in-law Kathy Orear, Olpe, Kansas; grandchildren Todd Orear, Nick Orear, Amber Peak, Kristy Storrer, Steven Fowler, Tyler Orear, Tyson Orear; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her step mother Carrie Waugh, her first husband, J.D. Orear, son Phillip Orear, and brothers James Waugh, Nolan Waugh, and Mark Waugh.

Mary was a member of the Sardis Congregational Church, and was active in the Red Hatters, Evergy Retirees, and the Prairie Hens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo and the Granada Theatre, and can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.