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Gayle Adkins Obituary
She was born on October 12, 1945 in Elyria, to Vida and Carl Milliken. Gayle graduated from Bay High School in 1963 and continued her education at Ohio University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1967. She fondly reminisced on her days at OU as a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, and in later years was often heard saying, "Ahhh, Athens… land of my youth." A supporter of higher education, Gayle received a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1988.
She pursued her career as a social worker in Cleveland, where she met and married her husband of 43 years, Joseph F. Adkins. For over 38 years, she was an advocate for improving the lives of those without a voice; children, the mentally ill and the impover-ished.
She enjoyed spending time with family, watching sports, coaching girls softball in Jackson Twp., Ohio, games of chance, and a solid interest in politics. A perennial optimist, she encouraged her grandkids to "have faith… this would be the year" that her beloved Indians, Browns and Buckeyes would win the championship.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Adkins of Clinton, Ohio; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Emily Milliken; three daughters, Tracy Adkins of Lexington Kentucky, Patricia (Scott) Pawlikowski of Loveland, Ohio and Leslie (Gerard) Flohr; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Joseph, Zachary, Abigail, Catherine, Hannah, Luke and Lillian; and many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Vida Milliken; sister, Irene Porter; and brothers, Robert Milliken and Ronald Milliken.
Friends will be received Sunday, September 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 East Cherry St., Canal Fulton Ohio. Mass will be held by Reverend David Majikas, 10 a.m. Monday, September 24 at St. Augustine's in Barberton, followed by a brunch at St. Andrew's in Barberton. A burial service will be held for family on Monday at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted. The family is grateful for all of the support we've received through this battle, and would especially like to thank the Hospice of the Western Reserve for their caring support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Summit County Children's Services Beds for Kids Program ((330) 379-2055) or the American Cancer Society.
Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356 www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Gayle Adkins
Janet & Chester Adkins
September 26, 2012
Dearest Family,
May God bless us all with the peace and consolation only He can give. We each will miss Gayle - wife, mother, grandmother, aunt,sister-in-law, mother-in-law, sister, friend. Love and prayers every day to all,
Janet & Chester
Pat Sutter (Nemec)
September 25, 2012
Gayle, We all have regrets in our lives,one of my biggest regrets is not having kept in touch with you over the years. I guess we always think there will be more time,sadly that is not always true. Clare, Marsha, you and I were such great buds in high school. I'll never forget that wacky road trip we all took down to Ohio U. to visit you. What a memorable weekend. My sincere sympathy goes out to your husband and your entire family. You will always be in my memories.
Roger Pickering '63
September 25, 2012
Gayle, Having known you since 1952, I was sad to have this information. Not only did we live 2 blocks apart but were in the Bay band and had several cool trips. I was the one that taught you to drive and took you to Berea for the test in my 1955 Pontiac (before you had the blue Falcon). We also had a lot of laughs - especially in class - during junior and high school years. We went to the Prom and Graduation parties together. Those many days I always recall with pleasure. R.I.P.
Dave and Barb Jones
September 24, 2012
Joe,we want to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
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Vince Adkins
September 24, 2012
Keeping ya'll in my thoughts- with love and prayers.
Shannon DeDomenic
September 23, 2012
Leslie, Jerry, and kids,
We are so sorry for your loss! We are thinking and praying for you and your family. From the comments I have read, it sounds like your mother was an amazing woman. We are here for you if you need anything.
Love, Shannon, Mark, Gehrig, Jacob, and Caeden
Joe and MC Shurman
September 23, 2012
Patty, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Paula Knode
September 23, 2012
I encountered Gayle when my husband and were foster parents. We went through a very difficult time with one of our foster children. Gayle supported us and helped more than I can say. She cared for kids. I'm thankful for her. She found her place in the world and served well.
September 23, 2012
Dear Joe and family,
Butch and I want to express our deepest symthathy to and your family. Gail was a very nice person and we pray for you all during this time.
We are sorry we can't be there for you.
Ed (Butch) and Donna.
Gary Milliken
September 23, 2012
Dear Joe, Tracy, Patti, Leslie and all,
Our family wishes you strength to meet the challenges of losing someone so dear as Gayle. My reflection is that Gayle left this world a better place than she found it and her efforts have touched and helped many lives. We will follow her ideals. We wish we could be there. Love always, Gary, Susan, Joel and Max
September 23, 2012
Leslie, Jerry and family, we are praying for you as you go through this difficult time. Your mom was a wonderful and witty lady and will be missed. Love you, Susan and Kerry Riesen and family
Rick & Sue Monsell
September 22, 2012
Joe, So sorry for your loss. Gayle was such a nice person.
The Fetterman's
September 22, 2012
Leslie, Jerry and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts during the difficult days ahead.
Johy & Mary Vasichko
September 22, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. (Enjoyed our times together at Malone softball and getting to know Gayle.)
Kathy Niewierowski
September 22, 2012
I worked with Gayle at Summit Co. CSB for many years. She was devoted to the cause for which she worked so hard for. I am sure all her family and friends will miss her sense of humor and love she gave. God Bless the family during these difficult times ahead.
Mary Adkins Cartee
September 22, 2012
Uncle Joe, Tracy, Patty, and Leslie and family--I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Gayle's passing and I have been thinking of you every day since. I send peace to you in my thoughts and prayers and will be there this weekend and week in spirit though I cannot be there in person. With love and big hugs for everyone,
Mary
Pauletta Bowen
September 22, 2012
To the family of Gayle Adkins:
I'm sorry to hear of Gayle passing. May God blessed you and your family.
We worked at S.C. Children's Service. She was always encouraging others, and strived to help all the children and family on her case load. She believed you can do it. At the agency Gayle would be seen walking in the hallway with a warm smile and reaching out to her co-workers,as she was a strong advocate. She will be missed.
Pauletta Bowen
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Swigart Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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