Mary Leah Adkins

Mary Leah Adkins, 97, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on August 23, 2025 at Aberdeen Village, Olathe, KS.

Mary Leah Norman was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Norwood and Marie Norman. Her father passed when she was 4, and her uncle Clarence was like her father whom she respected and loved dearly. Mary graduated from Roosevelt High School and from Drake University where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She taught kindergarten for three years and then became a dedicated mother to her three children.

She married Burton Adkins in 1950. Mary loved her family and lived life to the fullest. She had many friends whom she enjoyed line-dancing, biking, and playing tennis with. They also traveled together.

Mary loved to tell of her summers working at Mt. Lassen in Northern California with her college girlfriends. She also loved the Minnesota cabin where so many summers were spent with family and friends.

Mary came to know Jesus while studying the bible in years of Bible Study Fellowship. She would describe how Jesus saved her and showed her to live generously, always helping out when there was a need.

When her husband Burt, of 48 years, passed away she moved from Des Moines, Iowa to Olathe, Kansas to be near her grandkids whom she adored and supported lovingly. She spent time with them and attended their football games, track meets, and taking them to music lessons. Britt, Cody, and Ryan will miss her sweet presence.

Momma Mary will be greatly missed by her children: John (Donna) Adkins, Annie (Bob) Billings; her grandchildren: Britt (Caitlin) Billings, Cody Billings, Ryan (Shakota) Billings-Paasch, and 3 great grandchildren: Asher, Christopher and Isabella. Mary is also survived by two Nieces: Susan (Alden) Globe, Sally (Craig) Anderson; and two nephews: Dave Studer and Max (Kathleen) Studer.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jeanne, husband, Burt and son Rick.

We are so grateful to the many nurses and caregivers at Aberdeen Village who were so loving and kind to her in her last days here on earth.

Mary loved Psalm 23, John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me”, Romans 8:39 “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Mary donated her body to KU Medical Center. A private family service will be held at her final resting place in Ankeny, Iowa.