Cova Irene (Middleton) Huntington Fink, age 101, died peacefully January 9, 2025. She was born May 15, 1923, to Ira and Elta (Flanders) Middleton in rural Graham County. Cova grew up on her parents’ farm surrounded by three brothers and three sisters. Cova was educated in Bogue schools, graduating from high school in 1941. Shortly after graduation, Cova and Verlan Huntington of Morland, Kansas were married. The family grew to four with the birth of Ronald and Saundra and they settled in Hill City in 1948. Verlan passed away in 1962.
Never being one to sit still, Cova was the Deputy Graham County Treasurer from 1953-1955. Cova then began working at the Farmers and Merchants Bank and was employed there until her retirement in 1985. She and her co-workers quickly became great working friends and were fantastic bowlers. Cova bowled for over 30 years, bowling with Judy Dean, Emma Hildebrand, Rusty Nighswonger and Teresa Kemp. This team participated in 30 State Tournaments and 10 National Tournaments.
On October 5, 1967, Cova and Leon “Rasty” Fink were married. They made their home in Hill City until moving to Leon’s farm southeast of Hill City. Together they enjoyed gardening, farming and raising cattle. If that didn’t keep them busy, they would be on the go; either bowling, dancing or playing pinochle! She also made beautifully pieced quilts that were keepsakes for her family.
In 1988 they moved back to Hill City. For nine years they were “Snowbirds” traveling with their fifth wheeler and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. When they weren’t traveling, she especially enjoyed family gatherings for special occasions or just a quick visit. Cova truly loved spending time with family and friends. Sadly, Cova lost Rasty in 2010.
Cova was quick-witted, social, and a fount of information she had acquired. She was known to speak her mind. In her later years, Cova lost her eyesight. However, her hearing and her memory were as sharp as ever. If a grandchild or a great grandchild had a birthday, she always remembered the date. She lived 101 years full of family, hard work, and love.
Preceding Cova in death were her parents, Ida and Elta Middleton; brothers: Marvin Middleton, Ovid (Pauline) Middleton, Harry (Donna) Middleton; sisters, Melva Jean (Jim) Coates, Marjorie Cooper and Lucille (Lewis) Bright; her son Ronald Huntington and grandson Aaron Johnson.
Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Saundra Huntington, of Hill City; daughter-in-law Donna Huntington of Grove, Oklahoma; three stepdaughters: Leanore (Albert) Burton, of Hill City, Kathy Fink of Tampa, Florida, Vera Fisher, of Hill City; grandchildren: Cheryl Frazee (Jim), Michele Johnson, Jeff Huntington (Lisa), Jill Anderson (Scott), Justin Huntington; step-grandchildren: Corey Burton, Carey Burton (Danny), Collette Haslett (Jeff), Courtney Zohner (Justin), Caleb Burton (Nouma), Troy Schneider (Lisa), Tabitha Albertson (David), Tamara Schneider, Aimee Cox (Scott), Derrick Cox, and Zachary Quint. Cova was blessed with 31 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas. Following a luncheon at the Immaculate Heart of Mary CCD building, the burial will take place at Morland City Cemetery, Morland, Kansas. Memorials may be sent to the Miniserial Alliance Food Pantry in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.