Ardeth Jean Akins Obituary (1930

Ardeth "Jean" Binkerd Akins, 87, of Baxter, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at UnityPoint Health of Marshalltown. A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 in the Colfax Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa. Jean was born on June 6, 1930 in Colfax, Iowa to Maynard and Hazel (McQuiston) Binkerd. She attended school in Colfax and graduated from Colfax High School in 1948. Following school, she began working at the local bank. She then married and moved to Texas, California, before coming back to Iowa and settling in Baxter in 1957. Jean's house in Baxter was the place where all the kids liked to hang out at. Fresh donuts, brownies, or other treats were made fresh daily and hot out of the oven in perfect timing of school getting out. Spending time with her girls at a Sunday matinee at the Des Moines Playhouse followed by supper was always special time for her. Jean was as an accompanist and loved playing for funerals, weddings, graduations, school musical activities, and was the organist for the Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter. Jean worked for over 10 years as a bank teller at State Savings Bank in Baxter. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ and the Easter Star both in Baxter. Jean had a great love for her God, country and family. She also was an avid sports fan cheering on the Greenbay Packers, Portland Trailblazers, and the Chicago Cubs. Jean's hobbies included all music and ceramics. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Jackie Akins, and Sandra "Sam" (Tony) Walstrom; daughter-in-law Sharon Akins; sister-in-law Elaine Binkerd-Hendrickson; and many grandchildren by marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Bill Akins, son-in-law Gary Pugh, and brothers Paul, Dale, and Donald Binkerd. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Send to Sandra Walstrom, 206 N. East Ave, Baxter, Iowa, 50028. Memorial donations will be divided to various musical organizations in Jean's name. Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Baxter has been entrusted with the care of Jean and her family.