Gladys M. Finke

Gladys M. Finke passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Four Seasons Retirement Center at the age of 105 years old. She was born in Columbus, Indiana on November 24, 1917, to Edward H. Boxman and Lidia M. (Rittman) Boxman, both from Columbus. Being raised by a gentle, loving, Christian father and extended family, she attended St. Peters Lutheran Elementary School. She graduated from Columbus High School and was the last surviving member of the class of 1936. On August 25, 1940, Gladys married Frederick K. Finke, shortly after his graduation from Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. She soon found herself the wife of a Lutheran Pastor and a military Chaplain. With tenacity and perseverance, for the next 35 years, she took on the challenges of supporting her husband’s Air Force Chaplaincy career and raising a family of five children through three major wars and many home changes. She has lived in a number of US states and two foreign countries: Japan and Germany. She hosted many visitors in her house with grace and style which was always highly complimented by her guests. Living away from her roots during these years, she accomplished such feats without the closeness of her extended family. Gladys was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus. She gave strong witness through her faith in Christ her Savior, and by living her life according to Biblical principles of a serving wife and mother, she demonstrated a woman of great strength, character, and influence. Her passion was the care and protection of her family and fostering the faith of her children. She enjoyed sewing and other domestic activities and valued the economies resulting from these activities. When time allowed, she loved to read. Her sense of humor was delightfully subtle, unexpected, and surprisingly timely. In later years, she focused on socializing with children and grandchildren. She loved meals together with her family, whether at home or dining out. She also enjoyed collecting jewelry and shopping with her daughters. Her comfort foods were fried chicken and anything chocolate, particularly dark chocolate candy, and chocolate ice cream. When asked about her secret of a long life, Gladys first gave full credit to God for blessing her with long life, but “dark chocolate” runs a close second. Gladys is survived by four of her children, Paul Finke (Karen), Sylvia Smith (Terry), Charlotte Loper (William), and Timothy Finke (Becky); her daughter-in-law, Helen Finke; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Finke (1982), her son, Dennis Finke (2022), and her brother, Irvin Boxman. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, by Rev John Armstrong at Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Central Ave. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with a Service of Praise and Thanksgiving at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so through the funeral home to the Grace Lutheran Church Foundation or to the charity of your choice. You are invited to leave a message of condolence to the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.