Born May 7, 1929 to Waldo and Madeline Bratton in Basin Wyoming. She lived there with her siblings Imogene and Richard/Dick. While in Basin she worked as a "soda jerk" at the local drug store and learned how to fly an airplane being only a solo flight short of her pilot's license. She spent her last 2 yrs of high school in Modesto, CA with her cousin Winifred; completing high school there. She went to the University of Wyoming for her undergraduate studies and then Denver to Swedish Hospital where she received her RN degree. She moved to Minneapolis, MN to become a Polio nurse at the University of Minnesota. There, she met a dashing young medical student, Richard Finley, from Mound, Minnesota. They were married a short 9 months later in Basin, Wyoming. On their honeymoon they went through Rapid City SD, and, after Richard/Dick finished his residency in Duluth MN (where son Robert was born) and his Army Service in San Francisco, CA (where son Rick was born); having loved Rapid City; they made it their home in 1957 (where daughters Susan and Carol Ann were born).

Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother. She was very active in the community through her church Emmanuel Episcopal and PEO.

She was lovingly known as the "Roadrunner" and was very involved in all the activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a very vocal cheerleader at numerous sporting events where she cheered on her kids and grandkids and "assisted "the referees in making the right call (or letting them know they made a bad call), occasionally to the dismay of a few family members. She was a huge support to many elderly in the community. When her children had all graduated from high school, she became a school nurse at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; and also taught in the LPN program at Western Dakota Tech. She enjoyed her many friendships and frequent gatherings at her home that were filled with laughter and love. Richard and she loved the family farm in Comstock, Wisconsin which they spent every summer at with all the family. They loved Hawaii and went there many times with friends and on CME's for Richard. She was at Richard's side why he battled 3 types of cancer, which finally claimed him February 1999. After his passing, she made herself a deal to go places if people invited her. So, she went many places including Alaska; Panama; Czech Republic; Italy, Greece, Germany and Hawaii. She was a dear friend and support to many.

She is survived by children Robert Finley (Victoria); Richard Finley (Sandy), Susan Assam (Sam); Carol Ann Finley (Beth Dykstra); 9 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. Niece Beth Tocci, nephews Dick Bratton Jr., Craig Samson, Lee Samson and Kirk Samson. She is preceded in death by her parents Waldo/Madeline; her husband Richard Finley, his parents Reginald/ Freda; her sister Imogene McClain and family Gene, Steve, Larry, Kaye; her brother Richard Bratton/wife Alice, son Randy, Sister-in-law Faye Samson/ husband Sam; son Scott; as well as many dear friends.

The family requests that any memorials be directed to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or given in her memory to a charitable foundation of their choice.

Her Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.