Donna Rose Adkins

Born October 30, 1929 in Pekin to Carl and Bertha (Petri) George, she married Howard E. “Bud” Adkins on October 19, 1949 in Pekin. He died November 3, 2002 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Alta Mae Riley.

Surviving her daughter, Sherry Lynn Bargmann of Pekin; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Brett) Landes of Los Gatos, California and Jeremy (Hannah) Bargmann of Morgan Hill, California; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Rose Bargmann and William Howard Bargmann and many nieces and nephews.

She worked for Pekin Insurance for more than 30 years, retiring as supervisor of data processing.

Donna, aka “Granny,” loved her family with her whole heart and soul, and so many of the things she loved became part of the fabric of our family memories. The color blue, shopping, costume jewelry, family dinners, a good glass of vino, Gin Rummy, laughing hysterically at The Golden Girls, snuggles with her beloved pup Molly, getting lost in a book or word puzzle are just a few of the countless things that will forever remind us of her.

Granny also knew how to love people through food and through the things she made with her own hands. Her Christmas cookies were legendary, and her holiday Chex Mix became a cherished tradition year after year.

And then there were the blankets. Granny crocheted countless blankets for family, friends, and especially for new babies entering the world.

Whether through a shared meal, a game of Gin Rummy, a handmade blanket, or simply sitting together and laughing, Granny had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.

Granny spent a lifetime creating warmth for those around her. That love is now woven into our memories, our traditions, and the lives of everyone she touched- a warmth we will carry with us always.

She was of the Methodist faith.

A private graveside service will be held Friday, October 2, 2026 in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor John Vaughn will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Transitions Hospice, 8914 North Pairie Pointe Road, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com