Esther Irene Adkins, 89, of Grinnell, died on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Mayflower Health Care Center, Grinnell, IA.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell with burial to follow at Hazelwood Cemetery. The Adkins Family will greet friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell.

If desired memorial contributions may be designated to Tiger Scholarship Fund (formerly known as Dollars for Scholars) and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Esther Irene Allen Adkins was born in Atlantic, IA, Cass County, on November 2, 1934. She was the youngest of four children born to Gladys Peron Allen and Everett L. Allen. From a young age Esther moved with her family to Rock Island, IL and other cities in Illinois including Huntsville, Pulaski and Augusta until the age of sixteen. Esther's parents divorced in 1951, and she moved with her mother to Grinnell in the summer of 1951. Esther graduated from Grinnell High School in 1952. After graduating, Esther moved to Rock Island, IL to live with her sister, Rachel. She worked for Modern Woodmen Insurance Company then John Deere Wagon Works.

In February of 1957, she was introduced to Ed Adkins through mutual friends. The two went together a couple of times a month, engaged in July and were married on Esther's birthday, November 2, 1957. The two were blessed with four children, Lisa Kay, Philip Eugene, Gene Edward and Lacinda Kay. Esther raised her family in Grinnell and worked for Grinnell High School as a secretary in the Guidance Counseling Office. Above all Esther loved her family dearly, and cherished every moment spent with loved ones.

Esther is survived by her children, Gene Adkins (Michelle), and Lacinda Hanson (Michael); and grandchildren, Stephen Ramerth (Melissa), Mathew Ramerth (Violet Ohnstad), and Megan Ramerth (Brandon Ferguson). She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed; children, Philip and Lisa; siblings, Ernest Allen, Rachel Jones, and Evelyn Diseron.