Carolyn M. Finley

Carolyn Finley, 83, of Smithboro, Illinois, passed away on August 19, 2025, in her home surrounded by loving family.

Carolyn was born May 16, 1942, the daughter of Nelson and Elsie (Leeper) Matthews.  She married Roger Finley, on August 29,1959 in Smithboro, Illinois, and they were happily married for just shy of 66 years.

She spent her lifetime in Bond County. She was a home maker, a mother, a wife, grandmother, and friend. She was very family-oriented, she never forgot a birthday, made holidays fun, was a great cook, and made everyone feel special and part of the family. She was known as the ‘neighborhood mom,’ as she would babysit kids all over the area, feed them, and be a safe place for them to go.

She loved reading books, doing puzzles, bowling, and listening to rock-n-roll.Her fried chicken was always a big hit and requested often. After a big Sunday meal, she would play cards with her brothers and sisters, swop stories, and enjoy being with everyone.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Dean Matthews, Don Matthews, Beulah Summers, Marilyn Pruitt, Cliff Pruitt, Janet Matthews, and Charles Matthews.

Surviving Carolyn are her husband, Roger Finley of Smithboro, Illinois; son, Roger Dean ‘Roddy’ (Gina Vaughn) Finley of Smithboro, Illinois; daughter, Vickie Cauble of Bingham, Illinois; grandchildren, Brandon Finley, Jeremy Cauble, Ryan Cauble, Angie (Shawn) Howell, Justin Finley, Roddy Wayne (Jen) Finley; great grandchildren, Korey Rhodes, Katelynn Koonce, Rowen Finley, Kayden Finley, Russell Shepard, Kendra Cripe; and great-great grandchild, Berry.

The family will plan a private celebration of life gathering at a later date.

A private burial will be held at McKendree Chapel Cemetery.

The family asks that donations, to the listed memorials, be given in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, in memory of Carolyn.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to: Bond County Hospice, 1520 S. 4^th St., Greenville, IL 62246 and/or the Greenville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 400 Hillview Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.