Ruth Jean Adkins

RUTH JEAN (née CLARK) ADKINS passed February 27, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital, Huntington, WV. She was born June 12, 1934, to the late James Wm. Clark Jr. and Lola Marie (Trevillian) Clark Persinger in Huntington, WV. She is also preceded in death by her first husband James Edward Adkins, son Steven Lee Adkins, and grandson Mitchell Justin Diamond, her brothers George Lewis Persinger, Ralph Dewitt (Carol) Persinger, and infant sister Mary Lou Clark and her second husband Earl "Diz" Thompson.
Jean was a graduate of Huntington East High School where she met Jim, the father of her children. They were high school sweethearts until Jim passed in 1982. Many of the school friends remained cherished friends through life and met monthly for lunch.
Jean retired from GMAC in Chesapeake, OH where she was a receptionist and phone operator. Greeting people with her smile was her specialty, which she was honored by receiving Kentucky's highest civilian award- Kentucky Colonel.
She is survived by her daughter Angela and her son-in-law Bobby Melvin, who truly became her son. Three grandchildren, Shane (Sonya) Adkins, Shawn Adkins and Jeana (Teresa) Diamond, three great grandchildren, Olivia, Clyde, and Silvia Adkins, her little companion Baby dog. Special niece Cheryl Ruley and sister-in-law Peggy (Altizer) Adkins Mynes, along with a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends that she loved dearly.
Jean's loving, caring spirit, warm laugh and embracing smile will forever be her legacy.
Celebration of life will be March 16th, 2026, at Ridgelawn Memorial Garden Chapel, Huntington, WV. Visitation beginning at 1 p.m. with services at 1:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmans-mortuary.com.