Dona Akin

Dona Marie (Elias) Akin, 91, died Saturday, April 13th at Peakview Assisted Living in Centennial, CO.

Dona was born April 20, 1927 to Henry and Caroline (Guthard) Elias in Mitchell, NE. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1945. She continued her education at Scottsbluff Jr. College and taught for awhile at the Sioux Ordinance Depot outside of Sidney. On November 23, 1952 she married Bill Akin, which not only gave her a new husband, but an instant daughter, Kathy. Later, they added Steve, Alan, Chris and Debbie completing their family. In 1965, the family moved from Sidney to Casper, and finally to Denver in 1977.

Dona enjoyed traveling, painting, ceramics, garage sales and gambling. She delighted in being surrounded by her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, her step-father, Lloyd Root, and her brother, Hank Elias.

Survivors included sons, Steve (Val) Akin, and Alan (Rhonda) Akin, daughters Kathy (Creg) Kottraba, Chris Akin, and Debbie (Dean) Schmeisser, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Florine Elias and 2 nieces.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00am Thursday April 25, 2019 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney, with Rev. Michael McDermott officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family asks that memorials may be made in Dona's name to Encompass Hospice.