Rebecca Hankins

Rebecca (Becky) Hankins, 76, of Arkansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 1st after a short battle with cancer. Up until the end, she maintained her love for the Lord, her kindness, and her compassion for those around her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Mt. Zion Community Church of Arkansas City.

Becky was born on July 26, 1949, in Pasadena, California, to Kelvin and Norma Davis. Her family moved to Kansas shortly after. She spent her childhood in Wichita and then Belle Plaine, where she graduated from high school in 1967. After graduation she continued her education at Cowley College and then on to Emporia State University where she majored in childhood education. Becky moved to Ark City and taught school at Pershing Elementary where she met her first husband, David Roberson. They were married in1973 and had two children together before his untimely passing from a long battle with cancer in 1990. Becky continued her passion for teaching at multiple elementary schools in USD 470 before retiring after a 30-year career of guiding the future of our country.

Shortly after retirement she finally found love again after meeting Jerry Hankins at church. They were married in 2008, where she gained another two sons and two daughters. It wasn't long before the grandchildren started to pile up, fifteen in all. Grammy, as she was affectionately known, loved them all more than anything. She made it a point to make each one of them feel special, and she tried her hardest to support them in everything. Whether that be attending games, recitals, performances, or whatever, she was there. It wasn't just her grandchildren though; it was all kids. She wasn't just "Grammy" to her family, she was Grammy to all that knew her. You could always count on her to have gum and a smile.

Which led to another passion of hers for years, Operation Christmas Child. She dove headfirst into this ministry helping to spread the love of Christ to children around the globe. She spoke at churches and groups all over the state, eventually becoming the regional director. She will always be remembered for the love she had for her family, friends and everyone she came to know.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Hankins of the home; siblings, Susie Thompson, Pete Davis (Jean Paxton) and Abbie Davis (Gary Willms); children, Shiloh and Shelby Roberson, and Katie and Brandon Coulston; stepchildren Jena and Joe Nation, Jeff Hankins, Glen and Sydney Hankins, and Sarah and Chris Brown; grandchildren Harper, Harloh, and Hagan Roberson, Grace, Brandon James, and Tyler Coulston, Piper and Parker Hankins, Emerson and Hudson Nation, Emily, Kathleen, Will and Caela Hankins, Thurston and Coral Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Zion Church Youth Fund or Operation Christmas Child.