Ada Beth Finkner

Ada Beth (Cranson) Finkner, 89, went peacefully to be with her Lord, on November 16, 2011, surrounded by family.

Ada Beth was born on January 2, 1922, the second of 8 children in the home of her parents on the Cranson’s Golden Rule Dairy, in North La Junta. She was the last surviving member of her family.

Ada Beth attended and graduated from La Junta schools before graduating from CSU (then Colorado A&M) in Ft. Collins, CO, where she met Kenneth Finkner, of Akron, CO. They married in La Junta, CO on June 19, 1943. Following Kenny’s Army tour of duty, they made their home and raised their family on Trail Road in North La Junta. They would remain there for 54 years, 24 as dairy farmers. Ada Beth taught at North La Junta School for 8 years, keeping up with many of her students, sending them notes and/or newspaper clippings when opportunity arose. A life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in La Junta, she taught Sunday School, sponsored Youth groups and has been an ordained elder since 1972; she was also involved in several civic organizations. For the past 6 years, Ada Beth and Kenny have enjoyed the comfortable community and wonderful friendships made while living at Casa del Sol.

She enjoyed sewing and volunteering with 4-H Clubs, at the nursing home and hospital gift shop, delivering meals on wheels, and assisting the bereaved. She found her greatest joy in serving her Lord and Savior. Her love for her family was constantly evident.

Ada Beth is survived by her husband Kenny, their three children; daughter Marva (Roy) Fritch and their daughters Lisa Fritch, and Becky (Scot) Lemke; son Norman (Patricia) Finkner, and their children Lori (Garry) Albright, and Ryan (Caroline) Finkner, and daughter Beverley (Phil) Jantzi and their daughters Rachel Jantzi and Hannah Jantzi;   sisters-in-law, Midge Cranson, Mary Cranson, and Ruby Brigham; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of dear friends and acquaintances.

She was preceded in death by her parents Nathan Walter and Ethel Elizabeth (Harris) Cranson; brothers, Walt, Lee, Calvin and Don Cranson; sisters; Shirley Belle, Mary Genevive and Barbara Yoder; sister-in-law; Ethelda Beede; brothers-in-law, Tom Beede, Jim Brigham, and Jay Yoder; father-in-law and mother-in-law, August and Sophie Finkner.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in La Junta, CO with Reverend Dr. MJ Romano officiating. Longtime friend Eldo Miller will be assisting with the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta. Visitation will be Sunday, November 20, 2011, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to a charity of choice.