Velma Ruth Candlish

On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Velma Ruth Candlish passed from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Velma was born in Judsonia, Arkansas on June 28, 1927 to Thomas Guy Finley and Lula Ethel (Bryant) Finley. On October 21, 1945, she married Morris J. Candlish in the Ford Wedding Chapel. They soon settled in Kokomo, Indiana where they raised their 5 children. In 1993, they relocated to Maryville, TN. They were married for 65 years when he passed away in 2010. Velma was a Proverbs 31 woman. Although she had lots of family and friends, no relationship was more im-portant than her relationship with God. She read and studied His Word. She served Him faithfully in all her rela-tionships, especially her family. She was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo where she taught Sunday School and Beginner Church, served in Pioneer Girls, and sang in the choir. She led by example and de-sired that everyone come to know the Lord as she did... as Savior. Her legacy is one of kindness, caring, and serving. The love and care she had in her heart extended beyond her family and touched many along her 93 year journey. She and her husband, Morris “Junior”, enjoyed life as a team. She was his “helpmate” in every sense of the word, working along side him in business as secretary and bookkeeper, advisor, and encourager. After their children were raised, they worked together to get their real estate broker’s licenses. They loved to travel, doing road trips to visit family. Her primary life’s work, however, was in her home. The love she had for her family and others mirrored Christ’s love: it was unconditional and sacrificial. She graduated from Providence High School in Arkansas where she was an excellent student and also played basketball. Watching women’s basketball was a favorite pasttime. She learned to play the piano and loved good music of several genres, especially Gospel music. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Morris in 2010; oldest son Gary W. Candlish (Carol) in 2011. Four brothers: John Finley, T.G. Finley, Bill Finley, Paul Finley; and 5 sisters: Ethel Goodwin, Christine Ellis, Ella Mae Barber, Kathy Berry, and Joann Anderson. She is survived by three sons: John A. Candlish (Maryville, TN), Gregory M. Candlish (Maryville, TN) and Kev-in B. Candlish (Krista), Jacksonville, FL; daughter Dolores A. “Sandy” Taylor (Carter) Evansville, Indiana. One brother: Everett Finley (Miriam) of Kokomo, Indiana. 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was al-so a master-spoiler of every baby she got her hands on. Family and friends will assemble for a graveside service and entombment at 11:00am, Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Grandview Mausoleum Chapel with Matthew Candlish officiating. A family visitation will follow in the mauso-leum chapel. Special thanks to the Heritage Center in Evansville, Indiana for caring and loving Velma so well during the last journey of her life. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Velma Ruth Candlish please visit our Sympathy Store.