Viva Finlay

Viva 'Jean' Finlay, age 77, of Topeka, passed away, Wednesday, November 2, 2005 , at her residence. She was born, December 9, 1927 in Wakarusa Kansas, the daughter of Ira L. and Sylvia E .Green Robbins. While Viva was still a small child, the family moved to Harveyville, Kansas. She graduated from Harveyville High School in 1945, and attended one year at Washburn University. Viva worked twelve years at Meadow Lane Bowl, and twenty-three years for the State of Kansas, until her retirement in 1993. She was a member of The Light of the World Christian Center. Viva was inducted into the Topeka Bowling Hall of Fame in February 1987. She was united in marriage to Richard A. Finlay on January 16, 1947. With their family, they lived in the Carbondale area until his death on December 28, 1972. She later moved to Topeka to be closer to her work. Survivors include three sons, Eric D. Finlay, Randall B. Finlay, and Robin A. Finlay, all of Topeka. Other survivors include a brother, Ira L. Robbins, Idaho; two sisters, Winifred M. Shell, Topeka, and Donna Lira, Carbondale, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Graveside inurnment service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Carbondale Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is in charge of the arrangements