Ruth Ann (Hurst) Atkins – Benton, IL

Ruth Ann (Hurst) Atkins, 86, lifetime resident of Benton, passed away Jan. 1, 2020, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

She was born in Rend City on March 10, 1933, to Grover Cleveland Galloway and Goldie (Reed) Galloway. Upon their passing, she was adopted by John & Mary (Mueller) Hurst. She married Donald Atkins of Waltonville on July 2, 1954 at the Hurst homeplace in Benton.

Mrs. Atkins never lost her quick wit or sense of humor and will be remembered for her sweet nature and her sweet tea. She was very honored to achieve the designation of Centennial farm for the Hurst property during her lifetime. A Graduate of the 1950 Class of Benton Township High School, she went on to work for Ben Eovaldi, Chief Judge, executive secretary for Russell Davis at the Benton Community Bank as well as Howard Payne at the Bank of Benton. She also served as an election judge. Mrs. Atkins was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton and of the Ewing Township Cemetery Board.

Mrs. Atkins is survived by her daughter, Mary Annet (Atkins) Lofton & husband, Perry, of Benton, KY; son, Mark Alan Atkins & wife Tammy of Benton; 8 Grandchildren, Jennifer Rice & husband, Jeremy, of Huntsville, AL; Jeremy Miller & wife, Jessica, of Hendersonville, TN; Nicole Lofton of Nashville, TN; Valerie Kennedy & husband, Jason, of Nashville, TN; Megan Warder & husband, Dustin, of Owensboro, KY; Neil Atkins & wife, Lindsey, of Harrisburg; Zac Atkins & wife, Chalet, of Harrisburg; Holly Wilburn & husband, Nate, of West Frankfort; 18 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Atkins was preceded in death by her birth parents, her adoptive parents, her sister, Eva Adams, brothers, “Doc” Galloway and Bill Galloway and her husband of almost 63 years, Donald.

Mrs. Atkins family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Judy Holloway who was a trusted friend & caregiver.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the Third Baptist Church in West Frankfort with Pastor Luke Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 A.M. on Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Mrs. Atkins memory to the Baptist Childrens Home in Carmi. Envelopes will be available at the Church or at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com