Kenna Leigh Finch

Kenna Leigh Finch was born December 14, 1956, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Beverly Brown and Clarence “Red” Finch. Our sweet Kenna passed on August 10, 2023, surrounded by family, after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma. During her early years, her family lived in various small towns in Arizona, where her father managed Valley National Bank branches, ultimately settling in Camp Verde in 1965. Kenna attended school in Camp Verde from 4th grade through high school. She excelled scholastically and was involved with student government, sports, pom and cheer and was named Outstanding Junior Girl. After high school, she received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in Tempe.

Kenna took her contagious laugh and quick wit to the Arizona State University College of Law. During law school, she enjoyed Spring break road trips to her beloved Rocky Point; backpacking trips with law school gals in the Superstitions, Fossil Springs and West Clear Creek; parties at the Ranch; and sneaking off for fried burritos and crushed ice Pepsi at Pete’s Fish & Chips. A law school highlight was her intramural softball exploits as first baseman on the magnificent MsDemeanors who, she would proudly tell you, won the ASU intramural softball championship. Kenna’s law school friendships ran deep, and she maintained close relationships with her classmates. She was an integral member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Briefs.

After graduating from law school, Kenna began her career at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. She thereafter joined CopperPoint Insurance Company (formerly Arizona State Compensation Fund) and spent the rest of her legal career representing employers in workers’ compensation hearings at the Industrial Commission. Kenna was an exemplary attorney, and a true asset to the CopperPoint team. Her clients loved the special attention she gave to each of them. She would go the extra mile to visit their work site or answer any questions. She made everyone laugh and obtained excellent results. Those who litigated against her found her to be a worthy opponent while always remaining professional and kind. She was a great team player, and as one former colleague said, she always made work fun.

During law school Kenna met and later married Stan Slonaker. Although the marriage did not survive, this union produced their two extraordinary sons, Dare and Tanner and beloved daughter-in-law, Lexi. Her boys were the pride and joy of her life. She never missed a sporting event or school activity. Through those events, her circle of friends grew ever-wider and she continued to touch countless lives with her outgoing personality and lively sense of humor. Her home and abundantly-stocked snack drawer were always open to friends. She was happiest when there were kids (and dogs) swimming in her pool or playing in her beautiful yard. She loved to travel with her boys, taking them skiing when they were young and on amazing international trips when they were older.

Not long before Kenna retired from CopperPoint, she met her wonderful “Johnny,” who was her constant loyal companion, friend and significant other. Johnny helped Kenna laugh, smile and be happy. Together, they traveled, enjoyed family and friends, and spent time at their cabin in northern Arizona with the kids and her beloved dogs – all of whom she loved and spoiled over the years.

Kenna is predeceased by her mom, Beverly. She is survived by her dad, Clarence “Red” of Mesa, her significant other, John B. Daley, her sons Colton Dare Slonaker, and Tanner James Slonaker (Alexis Tartaglio), her daughter, Sahara Rae Daley, all of Phoenix, her sister, Kara Reddell (Johnny), nephew John Garrett Reddell (Tabatha) of Gilbert and her niece Kathryn Fielding (Adam) of Phoenix.

Kenna’s life will be celebrated (at her request) with an Open House on September 15th from 5 – 8 pm at 110 W El Caminito Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85021. There will be a further private celebration of her life for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, Kenna would welcome contributions to the Kenna Finch Annual Scholarship, which will benefit Sunnyslope High School students. Those donations may be made in Kenna’s name through the North Central Women’s League website: northcentralwomensleague.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMaryvale.com for the Finch and Daley family.