Jerilyn Finch

Jerilyn June Finch, 73, passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, in Mesquite Nev., after battling cancer. 

She was born on May 8, 1942, in Langdon, N.D. Jerilyn's friends called her "Jeri" and her grandchildren called her "JJ".

Jeri graduated from Worland High School in 1960 and, in 1961, married her high school sweetheart in Worland, Wyo. Jeri was a loving and caring woman but she was also ambitious-she wanted to be married to a doctor. So, after two years of college, she went to work and put her husband through school until he finally obtained his doctorate in physics at the University of Wyoming in 1967.

Jeri and her husband, working in science, lived in New Mexico, Massachusetts, Maryland and Australia before returning to Wyoming in 1977. After returning to Wyoming they owned and operated an oil and gas drilling company for 30 years. After selling the business in 2006, they retired-spending winter months in Mesquite, Nev., and summer months in Riverton, Wyo. Jeri had many friends in Wyoming, Nevada and elsewhere. In retirement Jeri and her husband enjoyed line dancing and teaching line dancing. Jeri's family and friends, many of them line dancers and musicians, walked with her and supported her through her battle with cancer.

Jeri is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ed; sons, Lance (Judy) Finch of Thermopolis, Wyo., Curtis (Courtney) Finch of Houston, Texas, and Joel (Lynn) Finch of Coulee City, Wash .; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Avon and Geraldine Thom; a sister, Bonnie Bakker, and an infant son, Larry. 

Jeri, at her request, has been cremated. No services will be held at this time but celebrations of her life will be held at later dates. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their "Guest Book" at http://www.virginvalleymortuary.com