Steven 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 second gathering will be held in Arizona at a later date.