Doris M Finlay, 97, of Hallsville, Missouri died on May 2, 2021 at the Stuart House in Centralia, MO.

Doris was born on September 23, 1923 at home in northern Boone County, Missouri, the fourth child and only daughter of John Estil and Cora Vivian Finlay.  With one exception, she resided with her family on the family farm until the family moved to Hallsville, Missouri in 1973. Doris attended elementary school at Winn School south of Sturgeon, Missouri and was a 1943 graduate of Hallsville High School.  She received several academic letters as a member of the Hallsville Girls Basketball team.    Following high school, Doris attended Orin and Rice School of Business in Columbia, Missouri after which she began work in a Columbia insurance office.  She later moved to Kansas City, Missouri to work for National Bellis Hess, a catalog supply business.  At the close of World War II, Doris returned to the family home to be close to her brothers returning from service, all of whom served in the war.  After returning to central Missouri, Doris worked as a telephone enumerator for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture for thirty-five years, where she was cited many times for her attention to detail, efficiency and problem-solving skills.

Doris lived and worked on the family farm, along with her brother, H. Clyde Finlay for many years.  She cared for her mother until her death in 1977 and her father until his death in 1989. She was dedicated to family and was the inspiration of loving care for those who follow her.  Doris' excellent memory and interest in genealogy made her the perfect family historian.  Many family members came to her for stories and clarification of the history of the family.

Doris with her brother Clyde, entertained many people as singers and musicians.  Together with other musicians, they performed both locally and more widely providing country, gospel and blue grass style music for the enjoyment of those present.  Doris and her brother also attended the funerals of many family and friends providing inspirational and soothing music for the services. Doris was a member of the Locust Grove Baptist Church and later joined the First Baptist Church in North Kansas City, MO.

Doris was well loved by family, but also many friends in the Hallsville, Sturgeon and Kansas City area.  She was an excellent cook, gardener and livestock agriculturist.  She also excelled at many hobbies including needlework, quilting, basketry, antique refinishing, bowling and much more.  Throughout her life, Doris enjoyed watching Cardinal baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, Mizzou football and Mizzou Women's basketball. Doris, with her typical beaming smile, was a friend and helper to all she knew.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Burl, H. Clyde, Don and John (Jack) Finlay.  She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Finlay and eight nieces and nephews: Chris Finlay of Charleston, MO, Louise Henke of Columbia, MO, Kim (Bob) Leven of Las Vegas, NV, Kent (Margie) Finlay of Centralia, MO, Cara Finlay of Centralia, MO, Susan Finlay of Columbia, MO, Diana Finlay of Webster Groves, MO, John R (Melissa) Finlay of Centralia, MO.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Sturgeon, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, memorials donations may be made to Locust Grove Baptist Cemetery Association or to the National WW2 Museum, both in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier Street, Centralia, MO  65240.