Official Obituary of
Betty Ruth (Conroy) Akins
September 14, 1941 ~ February 4, 2026 (age 84) 84 Years Old
Betty Akins Obituary
Betty Ruth (Conroy) Akins, age 84, of Herrin, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Herrin Hospital.
She was born Sunday, September 14, 1941 in Jackson County, a daughter of Roland John Edgar and Paradine Ruth (Fann) Conroy. She married the love of her life, Bobby Akins, Sr. in Herrin on March 16, 1961. He preceded her in death on February 26, 2001.
A retired employee of Herrin and Marion Wal-Mart, where she spent over 23 years of her life, Betty was a vibrant spirit who cherished every moment. Her retirement was filled with activities that brought her joy, including her beloved Senior Citizen group of Marion, where she formed lasting friendships and created unforgettable memories on their adventures together. Betty's adventures were not limited to just one place - she loved to travel, whether it was exploring new campgrounds or fishing in her favorite spots. Her summers were spent at the campground, where she could often be found enjoying the great outdoors and soaking up the sun. She was also a regular at fish frys, where she enjoyed good food and great company. She also had a passion for trying her luck on the gaming machines. Above all, Betty's greatest joys were her family and her beloved dog- Isabella. She was especially close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a particularly special bond with Kadyn. Her family was the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Betty was a true original, a spitfire who lived life on her own terms. She was the life of the party, always ready with a joke and a smile, even in the face of adversity. Her sense of humor and zest for life inspired countless friends and family members, and she will be deeply missed. We celebrate her life, her laughter, and her unwavering spirit.
She is survived by her son- Jerry Ray Akins of Herrin; seven grandchild- Jeremy Ryan Akins, Jenna Renee Akins, Tyler Joseph Akins, Brandon Cottonaro, Dylan Cottonaro, Dalton Lee Akins, and Hannah Akins; several great grandchildren including Kadyn Parris and Matthew Parris; sister- Dorothy Atterberry of Herrin; her beloved dog- Isabella Akins.
She is preceded in death by husband, Bobby Akins, Sr.; son- Bobby Lee Akins, Jr.; and four infant brothers.
Graveside services will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, 1:00 PM at Herrin City Cemetery with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
She was born Sunday, September 14, 1941 in Jackson County, a daughter of Roland John Edgar and Paradine Ruth (Fann) Conroy. She married the love of her life, Bobby Akins, Sr. in Herrin on March 16, 1961. He preceded her in death on February 26, 2001.
A retired employee of Herrin and Marion Wal-Mart, where she spent over 23 years of her life, Betty was a vibrant spirit who cherished every moment. Her retirement was filled with activities that brought her joy, including her beloved Senior Citizen group of Marion, where she formed lasting friendships and created unforgettable memories on their adventures together. Betty's adventures were not limited to just one place - she loved to travel, whether it was exploring new campgrounds or fishing in her favorite spots. Her summers were spent at the campground, where she could often be found enjoying the great outdoors and soaking up the sun. She was also a regular at fish frys, where she enjoyed good food and great company. She also had a passion for trying her luck on the gaming machines. Above all, Betty's greatest joys were her family and her beloved dog- Isabella. She was especially close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a particularly special bond with Kadyn. Her family was the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Betty was a true original, a spitfire who lived life on her own terms. She was the life of the party, always ready with a joke and a smile, even in the face of adversity. Her sense of humor and zest for life inspired countless friends and family members, and she will be deeply missed. We celebrate her life, her laughter, and her unwavering spirit.
She is survived by her son- Jerry Ray Akins of Herrin; seven grandchild- Jeremy Ryan Akins, Jenna Renee Akins, Tyler Joseph Akins, Brandon Cottonaro, Dylan Cottonaro, Dalton Lee Akins, and Hannah Akins; several great grandchildren including Kadyn Parris and Matthew Parris; sister- Dorothy Atterberry of Herrin; her beloved dog- Isabella Akins.
She is preceded in death by husband, Bobby Akins, Sr.; son- Bobby Lee Akins, Jr.; and four infant brothers.
Graveside services will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, 1:00 PM at Herrin City Cemetery with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Ruth (Conroy) Akins, please visit our floral store.
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