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Darlene Marie Adkins
Darlene Marie Adkins
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Darlene Adkins Obituary
She was born January 6, 1933, in Nevada, IA, to the late Isaac W. and Myrtle B. (Cook) Tudor.
Darlene graduated from Fernald High School, Fernald, IA class of 1953, then earned her bachelor's degree from Drake University in 1962, then her master's degree from IU South Bend and finally her Doctorate degree in education from Wayne State University in 1980.
On June 14, 1968, she married Rev. George H. Adkins in Des Moines, IA. He preceded her in death on October 7, 2007.
Darlene started her teaching career in 1962 and retired from teaching and school administration in 2004. She had taught in Des Moines, IA, and Elkhart, IN.
She was a long time member of Central Christian Church in Elkhart, IN and more recently Federated Church in West Lafayette, IN, the American Association of University Women and the Beatrix Potter Society. Darlene loved antiques and played clarinet in the Elkhart Community Band.
Surviving are two sons, Kent (Sherry) Upton of West Lafayette, IN, and Kim Upton of Nevada, IA, and a stepdaughter, Kathy (Gordon) Cox of Ankeny, IA. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kelsey Clark and Kate (Pat) Kennelly and step-grandchildren, Brian Frisbee, Brenda Frisbee, Nathan Cox, Hayley (Arturo) Mora; also great grandchildren, Hallie Clark, Colin Clark, Tess Clark, Connor Kennelly, Emmy Kennelly and Teddy Kennelly and step-great grandchildren, Jacob Frisbee and Samuel and Julia Mora.
Darlene was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Linda Frisbee, a brother, Earl Tudor, and her identical twin sister, Arlene Huhn.
A celebration of her life will be held in the spring in Nevada, IA.
You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kenneth E. Hall
January 7, 2025
Sorry to learn of the passing of Darlene. She and husband George were very supportive of me when I served on the Indiana Regional staff. Rest in peace Darlene.
Charlene J Sheetz
January 4, 2025
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Darlene on the broad based planning committee for the gifted/ talented program at Elkhart Community Schools. She was a great friend and colleague.
Bill Firstenberger
January 2, 2025
I was so sorry to learn of the death of Darlene Adkins. She and her late husband George were tremendous leaders of historic preservation and public education in Elkhart, Indiana. For many years they were the owners, and as they would say it "temporary custodians," of the Havilah Beardsley House. Not only did they preserve this remarkable property for future generations, but they also opened their home to many hundreds of people to personally share the rich history of the Beardsley family and the founding values of Elkhart. It is Ruthmere's great privilege to carry on the good work of the Adkins family (and all previous owners of this property) to now keep it as a place of discovery and learning for everyone. Thank you, Darlene.
Bill Firstenberger
Executive Director, Ruthmere Campus
Rev. Mark MacWhorter
January 2, 2025
My deepest sympathies to all the family. As you know Darlene was a very special person in my life. She and George were a wonderful support system for me in my ministry. My prayers to all. May you know the embrace of the Holy in this time of grief and sorrow. If possible, would you please let me know of the time and place of the Service in Nevada. My email is [email protected].
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Mary Conner
January 2, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Darlene from the Elkhart Committee Schools and thr New Horizons Band of Elkhart. Darlene was a quiet, kind soul.
Deborah Zimmerman
December 31, 2024
Darlene was my dear neighbor for more than twenty years. But more importantly she was my friend. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her and George too. They indeed were angels on earth. And are together again. RIP Love Deb and girls.
Alma Powell
December 31, 2024
Darlene and I worked together in Elkhart Community Schools curriculum and instruction department . What an honor and pleasure to have known such a dedicated educator. She was always so pleasant. We shared a funny story about us and the beginning days of operating a computer during a workshop with no one around to help us. In the end...we were up and running. My sincere condolences to your family for your loss.
Sandy Haimbach
December 31, 2024
My husband and I first came to know Darlene as a parent when she initiated several G/T programs for children. Later, as a teacher in the Elkhart Community School System, I grew to appreciate her wisdom, dedication, and determination to do what was right for children.
T Maier
December 31, 2024
I had the pleasure of being both a colleague and friend of Darlene & George over the years.
We met through Rev Kent & Mrs Mary Borgaard at Simonton Lake Indiana. Such lovely community servants - Darlene will be missed as is George,
May God bless her family in this time of sorrow.
Theresa Maier
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1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906
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