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Mary Lou Adkins, age 72, Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, surrounded by love and cherished memories.
A visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd).
A celebration of life service to honor her beautiful spirit was held at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial was immediately following at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of memorials, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease research.
Mary was born on November 20, 1952 to Albert and Grace Blom of Pipestone and raised in Pipestone, Minn. She graduated from Pipestone High School in1970.
Mary’s life was a tapestry of adventure, devotion, and deep connection to those she held dear.
Mary attended Southwest State University in her home state of Minnesota. Following her graduation, Mary began a meaningful career with the USDA, which eventually led her to live briefly in Arkansas before settling in Ankeny, Iowa—a place she came to call home. Her passions were as vibrant as her spirit: photography, traveling, faith, and long walks with her beloved dog, BJ. But above all, Mary found her greatest joy in spending time with her family.
Mary was the devoted wife of Buddie Adkins, with whom she shared nearly 41 years of marriage. She was a loving stepmother to Traci, and a proud grandmother to Alexas, Kylee, and Delaney. Her heart expanded even further with the arrival of her great-granddaughter, OakLee, daughter of Delaney. Mary’s bond with each of her grandchildren—and her great-grandchild—was uniquely special, filled with laughter, shared adventures, and unconditional love.
She also leaves behind her two brothers, Lyle (Julie) and Roger, along with Lyle and Julie’s four children, Charissa, Shannon, Leah, and Emily. Mary treasured family traditions, especially taking her granddaughters on trips, enjoying the Iowa State Fair, watching parades, and indulging in back-to-school shopping sprees. Her presence turned ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Mary’s life was a testament to warmth, generosity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire love and togetherness.
(Memorial Services of
Iowa)