Gladys Alene Finkner

Gladys “Alene” Finkner, age 87, of Hot Springs, passed away, Friday, April 1, 2022.

She was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 30, 1934, the daughter of Albert Gaither and Gladys Knifong Gaither.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Aaron Thompson; and her daughter, Rebecca Roets.

Alene grew up in the thoroughbred horse training industry.  Her grandparents and her mother were all thoroughbred horse trainers and her father was a jockey.  They trained in over 20 plus states; she trained horses all her life and raced at Oaklawn Park Race Track during the 1998 racing season, with horses she raised and trained herself.  She loved life and loved to dance, she had a very vivid personality and lived life on her own terms. 

She is survived by her children, Gail McConnell of Hot Springs and John Wellborn of Las Vegas, Nevada; her seven grandchildren, Penny Harrington, Casey Meason, Tarah McConnell, Dana Meason, Jamie McBride, Blake Wellborn and Dena Wellborn; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and her longtime friend, Julie McDermott of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Graveside will be held at 10:00AM, Friday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home Hot Springs.

Visitation will be held from 6-8:00PM, Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.