Steven “Skeeter” W. Finley
“Skeeter” Steven W. Finley, age 57, of Paulden, Arizona, saddled up and rode off into the sunset to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 9, 2025.
A cowboy to the core, Skeeter spent his days riding and working ranches and doing what he did best—breaking colts—with his beloved wife, Amy, riding right alongside him. He was a natural-born storyteller who could spin a yarn that’d leave you laughing ‘til your sides hurt. With a heart as wide as the prairie sky, he was always the first to step up and help a neighbor, and he sure did love being surrounded by kids, family, and friends.
From Kansas to Texas to Arizona, Skeeter left his boot prints and his good-natured spirit wherever he went. Folks will remember him most for that infectious laugh, his stories, and the kind of grit and grace only a true cowboy carries. He rode bulls for 30 years and won the Little Britches Bull Riding World Championship in 1986.
Skeeter was deeply loved and will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Finley; his brother, Danny Finley; and his son, Taylor Finley.
He rides on in the hearts of those he leaves behind: his wife of 25 years, Amy Finley, of Paulden, Arizona; his mother, Alice Baehler, of Sharon Springs, Kansas; his sons, Haden Finley (Sierra) of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and Kade Finley (fiancée Nicole Rasmussen) of Perkinsville, Arizona; his sister, Coleen Dautel, of Goodland, Kansas; along with three grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 2025, at 10:30 am at the family farm located at 2010 US Hwy 40 in Sharon Springs, Kansas. Lunch will follow—bring a lawn chair and a good story to share. A second gathering will be held in Arizona at a later date.
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OBITUARIES
Sadie Lee Smelker
To know her, was to love her- Sadie Lee Smelker was born to Ted and Trina Smelker on Dec. 2, 1991, in Burlington, CO. She was the youngest of 5 girls: Kylie, Audi, Cassie and Chelsea. Sadie attended Stratton Schools, graduated as co-valedictorian in 2010 and went on to attend... [More]
Roe Randall Johnson
Roe Randall Johnson, 84, passed away on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at his home in Pratt, KS surrounded by family. Roe was born in Syracuse, KS on March 26, 1941 to Paul & Bernice Johnson. He grew up in rural Greeley County and graduated from Greeley County High School in 1959.... [More]
Margaret Yvonne Kuder
Margaret Yvonne Kuder was born near Seward, Kansas on July 9th, 1930 to Clifton and Helen Walter in their home South of Great Bend. She was delivered by her Grand Mother Lucy Lacey Walter. She passed on July 22, 2025 in Weskan, Kansas at home. She had just celebrated her... [More]
Barbara Lou Liester
Barbara Lou Liester, 91, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born on January 15, 1934 near Goodland KS to Mac and Ruth Purvis, Barbara was loved by family and friends for over nine decades. Married to Arvin Liester of Menlo KS in 1953, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother,... [More]
Elly Lotscher
In Loving Memory of Elly Lotscher, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who peacefully passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family. Born on November 19, 1927, in Billand, Denmark, Elly was the cherished daughter of the late... [More]
William John Escudero
William (Bill) John Escudero was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 27, 1931 to William Syrus Escudero and Marie (Mary) Potterf. He passed away on June 24, 2025 at the age of 94 at KMH in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. His grandparents on his father’s side were William Escudero... [More]
Wanda Irene Keister
Long-time resident of Wallace County, Wanda Irene Keister, is returning home to her final resting place. Wanda was born in Sharon Springs, Kansas, on August 7, 1939 to Virgil M and Fern (Swartz) Chaney. She passed away at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,... [More]
Sherryl Lynn Cutter
Bel Aire, KS resident and former Goodland, KS resident, Sherryl Lynn (Hallagin) Cutter, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Wichita, KS. She was 79 years old. Sherryl was born on May 9, 1946, in St. Francis, KS, to Clarence and Blanche (Schield) Hallagin. She was one... [More]
More Obituaries
- Emily Jane Vincent
- Charles John Mitchek
- Leon Edward Schneider
- Tyler Ray Theron Chaney
- Norva Jean Kriegh
- Joseph Lee Fuentez
- Jim Bussen
- Dixie Anne (Chain) Schemm
FEATURE STORY
Greeley County Health Services Seeks Participation in Survey
Every three years, non-profit hospitals are tasked with evaluating the community and public health needs. Greeley County Health Services (GCHS) has been working with community partners in this effort since 2013 in both Greeley and Wallace counties. GCHS has convened local entities... [More]
Pioneer Pastoring part 4
One of the problems for most Western Kansas pioneer pastors was the weather. No matter the season, much of the weather was intense: intensely hot, intensely cold, intensely dry, intensely wet, intensely windy, intensely cloudy…and Rev. Brock and family were constantly... [More]
4H'ers Shot for the Moon at the Wallace County Fair
Watch for the Fair Results Special Issue in the coming weeks.
Pioneer Pastoring part 3
Shortly after Rev. Brock and Doris arrived at their appointment to West Bethany and Stone Church, (an area called the West Kansas Conference) their first child, Evelyn, was born. The tiny baby joined them in “…their little basement mansion.” Pioneer... [More]
Pioneer Pastoring part 2
When Rev. Brock and Doris arrived in 1930 to accept their second circuit appointment in Western Kansas, the appointment was to: Winona, Pleasant View, West Bethany, and Stone Church. Seeing that Winona was about seventy miles from Stone Church, it was decided (wisely) that was... [More]
Shoot for the Moon at the Wallace County Fair this week!
There is plenty to get excited about this year at the Wallace County Fair, including a new ride at the carnival called The Frolic. Swinging baskets spin around in a small circle as they orbit the center of the ride. The Frolic may not get you to the moon, but it’s sure... [More]
Hope Springs Ice Cream Social
Our Ice Cream Social was a huge success—and the smiles were the cherry on top! From classic sundaes to shared laughs, our family enjoyed a delightful afternoon filled with love, laughter, and (of course) lots of ice cream! Special events are announced in The Western Times... [More]
West Bethany Free Methodist Church nears 100 year milestone
As I was preparing for the 100th year anniversary of West Bethany Free Methodist Church, I began to read different renderings of the church’s history. I came across a book, Pioneer Pastoring, written by Lyle & Doris Brock, the third Circuit Pastor assigned to West Bethany... [More]
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BUGLE NOTES
Bugle Notes 11/28/24
Peak travel season may be over, but that doesn't mean that we are closing up shop at the Fort Wallace Museum! We have re-vamped winter hours that are already underway - you can visit Mon - Sat 10-4 MT this winter, weather permitting. If there is questionable weather, you can... [More]
Bugle Notes 5/21/24
It’s that time again in Wallace! It’s Rodeo Time! This year’s 70th Edition of the Fort Wallace Rodeo is shaping up to be a special one! There are again two performances; Saturday May 25 at 7 pm MDT and then on Sunday May 26 at 5 pm MDT. Admission... [More]
Annual Symposium held at Fort Wallace Museum
This past weekend, the Fort Wallace Museum had record-breaking attendance at the annual Symposium, and an equally successful Fundraiser Banquet. Around 90 people were in attendance at the day’s lectures and presentations, with attendees from all over Kansas, as well as... [More]
Fort Wallace Museum to Host Symposium/Banquet
The Guardians of the Fort Wallace Museum will host their annual symposium and banquet on Saturday, March 16, at the museum, with symposium beginning at 8:30 am MDT and Capt. Keogh’s Emerald Banquet at 5 pm MDT. The theme of this year’s events is “The Moccasin... [More]
Bugle Notes 11/28/23
The Christmas Season approaches! Our annual Candlelight Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 MT, starting at the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church located on the west side of our Museum grounds. The traditional Swedish Lutheran service in the historic atmosphere... [More]
Bugle Notes 10/31/23
On Thursday evening, Nov. 2nd, come on over at 6 pm to hear a most talented musician, mandolinist and singer/songwriter John DePew! We will be hosting John inside the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church. John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for... [More]
Bugle Notes 10/24/23
The fall travel season has featured strong attendance at the Fort Wallace Museum, with many retired couples and international travelers coming through. Our RV Park has also been busy, with many people staying to experience the local flavor of Wallace County. Our summer hours... [More]
Ft Wallace Museum Holds 4th Annual Education Day
This past Friday and Saturday, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds once again sprang to life -this time with the sights and sounds of a Native American village. 10 traditional tipis glowed in the sun, as well as military tents and a complete 1800s chuckwagon set-up. During Friday’s... [More]
More Bugle Notes
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