1945-2026
Emily Caroline Elkins, 80, of West Liberty and formerly of DeGraff, passed away Monday evening, May 18, 2026, at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community.
Emily was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on December 15, 1945, to the late Alvin and Anna (Lewis) Adkins. She married Harold “Bud” Jerome Elkins II on April 20, 1963, in Sciotoville, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on November 9, 2020. Emily was also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Emily is survived by her children: Deborah Mae (Jeffrey) Spencer of Rushsylvania, Harold Jerome “Buddy” (Marsha) Elkins III of Huntsville, Marilyn Sue (Chad) Straker of Rushsylvania, Mark Wade (Kimberly) Elkins of Bellefontaine, and Doris Rena (Carson “Jody” Long) Elkins of Huntsville; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a brother Howard “Joe” Adkins of Scioto County; 3 sisters: Delphia Maggard of Scioto County, Wanda Hurst of Hamilton, and Sharon Lewis of Scioto County; a nephew who was like a son Raymond Carl “Corky” Adkins, Jr. of Scioto County; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Emily is also survived by her sisters-in-law Doris, Betty, Judy, and Mary, and a special thank you to Mary for all her support and help to our mother.
Emily and Bud were longtime owners and operators of Bud & Emmy’s Pizza & Restaurant in Lakeview. She also worked in environmental services at Mary Rutan Hospital for 20 years before retiring in 2001. Emily was a member of Mt. Tabor Church of God. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, writing poetry, and doing crossword puzzles. Over the last few years, Emily has enjoyed the friendships nurtured at the Green Hills community.
Brother Nathan Price will officiate Emily’s funeral service on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1 pm at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, where the family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, from 11 am – 1 pm. Burial will be in Harper Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health Hospice, 921 Rush Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Elkins family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com.
