Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Mary Adkins Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). A celebration of life service to honor her beautiful spirit will be held at 11:00 a.m., also at the funeral. Burial will immediately follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
Mary attended Southwest State University in her home state of Minnesota. Following her graduation, Mary began a meaningful career with the USDA, which eventually led her to live briefly in Arkansas before settling in Ankeny, Iowa-a place she came to call home. Her passions were as vibrant as her spirit: photography, traveling, faith, and long walks with her beloved dog, BJ. But above all, Mary found her greatest joy in spending time with her family.
Mary was the devoted wife of Buddie Adkins, with whom she shared nearly 41 years of marriage. She was a loving stepmother to Traci, and a proud grandmother to Alexis, Kylee, and Delaney. Her heart expanded even further with the arrival of her great-granddaughter, OakLee, daughter of Delaney. Mary's bond with each of her grandchildren-and her great-grandchild-was uniquely special, filled with laughter, shared adventures, and unconditional love.
She also leaves behind her two brothers, Lyle (Julie) and Roger, along with Lyle and Julie's four children, Charissa, Shannon, Leah, and Emily. Mary treasured family traditions, especially taking her granddaughters on trips, enjoying the Iowa State Fair, watching parades, and indulging in back-to-school shopping sprees. Her presence turned ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Mary's life was a testament to warmth, generosity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire love and togetherness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Ankeny First United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
4208 North Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50023
Make a Donation
in Mary Adkins's name
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Adkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
