Connie Sue Akins

Connie S. Akins, 78, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025. She was born July 3, 1947, in Champaign, IL to George and Winifred Padgett.

Connie's professional experiences include her first job at a car hop in Tucson, Arizona working as a waitress at 14. She went on to become bookkeeper for Selman Chevrolet in Orange, California for several years. In 1979 Connie, her daughter Lisa and her sister Karen, packed up and moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas with a van full of plants and a horse trailer full of Pygmy goats.

She became employed as an executive secretary for Frederick M. Dierks and would go on to work for him 32 years.

Connie was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who spread boundless love from the depths of her heart. Inspiring kindness, selflessness and generosity that knew no limits.

She dedicated her spare time to the Quachita Girl Scout council and led a troop for her daughter. She enjoyed camping, sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows and taking the girls hiking.

Connie cherished her "quiet time" reading books, watching game shows and the comedic genius of the Carol Burnett show. She was profoundly admired by her family and friends. She treasured spending time with close friends and family going out to eat at Cracker Barrel every now and then.

She was always the first to offer a helping hand or a compassionate listening ear to anyone that needed it. She had a gift for sensing her daughter Lisa's emotions through the sound of her voice, a true testament to the depth of their bond.

Connie was a classy lady with a lot of sass. She never met anyone she didn't like. A very beautiful, nurturing and kind-hearted woman who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A special thanks to Rita Nash, Connie's caretaker. Connie loved her "Angel" and treasured everything she did for her. Connie taught her that "selfishness is not a way of being it's a choice that you make". Connie will always be Rita's "Connie bunny" and will forever be missed.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, George Padgett; mother, Winifred Wilkinson; sister, Sandra McLaughlin and grandson, Tyler Lee Grisham.

She is survived by her spouse of 39 years, William P. Akins Jr. "The Colonel"; daughter, Lisa Sandelovic; several loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; two sisters Sharon Buckman and Karen Vaughan; stepdaughter, Vicki Akins; two stepsons, William P. Akins III; Jason Akins.

Visitation will be 5PM to 7PM Monday September 22, 2025 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.

A celebration of Connie's life will be 10:30AM Tuesday September 23, 2025 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Chris Megee officiating.

Pallbearers include Zachary Shadrick; Bryan Grisham; Jason Akins; William P. Akins III; Tim Sandelovic; Jay Hardwood

Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Bussey and Tyler Grisham

"May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish you were here."