Mary Atkins
Mary Lou Atkins, 91 passed away at 5:00 AM Sunday, June 29, 2025, at The Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL. Mary was formerly from Hannibal, MO. A special thanks to the Illinois Veterans home staff and Blessing Hospice staff for excellent Hospice Care.
Mary was born on November 27, 1933, in Quincy, IL, to George Leroy and Ruby L. Pults. She was married to Jim Atkins on May 13, 1961, at Hydesburg United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on September 1, 2023. The love they exhibited during their long marriage was a beautiful example to their family.
Survivors include two daughters: Kathy Baum (Jim) of Quincy, IL and Karla Cannon of Hannibal, MO; nine grandchildren: Melanie Harvey (Jeremy), Jenny Herbig (Jarad), Jenny Manchik, Jamie Hamilton (Ben), Brad Baum (Emily), Brooke Van Horn, Michael Van Horn (Ashley), Shawn Van Horn (Mary) and Adrianna Rakowski (Timothy); 19 great grandchildren,1 great great grandson. Mary is also survived by two sisters, Carolyn (Sue) Guthrie, and Dorothy Pults plus many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was also preceded in death by her four brothers, Leroy, George, Ronald and Donald Pults; and brother-in-law, Ron Guthrie.
Mary was a long-time member of Hydesburg United Methodist Church, where she made many lifelong friends. Mary was an excellent cook and baker and used these talents for church dinners, helping with the “popcorn stand” at the Folk-Life in her younger years.
Professionally, Mary had a long career in the receiving room at J.C. Penney’s in Hannibal, MO. Later, she would also work at the Hannibal Walmart Store, retiring due to ill health.
Mary’s home was the gathering place for holidays where she would prepare many delicious delights. Afterwards, Mary would enjoy a spirited game of pitch. She also loved playing games such as Mexican Train Dominoes and was the first one at the Bingo table at the Veterans Home. Mary was also a certified “Master Gardener” through the local extension center and grew beautiful flowers and a thriving vegetable garden.
Mary was fun-loving and adventurous. Mary also belonged to a camping group, traveling all over in their 5th wheel campers. Once, when her car wouldn’t start, she drove the Yanmar garden tractor into town (8 miles) to get to work. She loved spoiling her grandkids. Her purse was always full of treats or coloring pages for them. In her later years at the Vet’s Home she made sure she had treats, candy, and gum, for the children of the employees. Mary was very generous and kind-hearted. Most of all she was a cherished mom and grandmother to her family and a loyal friend to many.
Friends and Family are invited to Mary’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Rev Tom Lemon will officiate. Burial will be at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Van Horn, Michael Van Horn, Jeremy Harvey, Collin Harvey, Chris Heming, and Timothy Rakowski.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hydesburg United Methodist Church, or donor’s choice.