Laura May Finck
May 1, 1923 ~ September 1, 2026
Resided in: Waldo, FL
Laura May Shearouse Finck, age 103, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, adventure, and love.
Laura was born on May 1, 1923, in Fort Scott, Kansas. She lived in Salina, Kansas, where she graduated from Washington High School and Brown Mackie School of Business. Over the course of her extraordinary 103 years, Laura also lived in Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Gainesville, Florida; Ocala, Florida; and Waldo, Florida.
A proud World War II veteran, Laura served in the United States Navy as a Second Class Petty Officer. During her time in Savannah, Georgia, she met her first husband, Leroy Thaddeus Shearouse, a Navy Chief Petty Officer. Together, they shared a life marked by service, family, and devotion.
Laura enjoyed a long and successful career with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, where she worked as an executive secretary before retiring. Even after retirement, she continued serving her community as a Marion County Crime Watch Deputy for ten years.
A woman of deep faith, Laura lived generously and cared deeply for others. She was known for her loving heart, strength, independence, and willingness to embrace life fully. She loved traveling, sewing, and reading, and she remained a prolific reader throughout her life.
Travel was one of Laura’s greatest passions. She visited almost all 50 states and traveled extensively throughout Canada. After the passing of her first husband, she continued to travel fearlessly, including traveling on her own. In 1998, Laura married Henry Finck. Together, they traveled by motorhome for eight years, creating countless memories while enjoying the freedom and adventure of the open road. Henry passed away in 2008.
Laura also loved bringing people together. Later in life, she hosted a card game for many friends in Waldo, Florida, where she became known for the fellowship, laughter, and friendship shared around her table.
Above all else, Laura treasured her family. Her grandchildren were the love of her life, and spending time with them was one of her greatest joys. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish the memories, wisdom, stories, faith, and love she shared with them.
Laura was preceded in death by her first husband, Leroy Thaddeus Shearouse; her second husband, Henry Finck; and her daughter, Priscilla Edwards.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Cheryl Shearouse Huguley; her six grandchildren, Shellie Kilgo, Kim Richardson, Laurie Rucker, Steven Holder, Annalisa Davis, and Hayley Johnson; her 11 great-great-grandchildren; and her three great-great-great-grandchildren, along with other beloved family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
Laura May Shearouse Finck lived an extraordinary 103 years. She served her country and community, traveled fearlessly, loved generously, and remained devoted to her family and faith. Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of the many people who loved her.
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She and her family were special people and kind, what a privilege to have known her.