Barbara Ann Akin, 69, of Benton, passed away at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

She was born on September 23, 1951, to Walter and Zora (Thomason) Yoder at Knoxville, TN. On May 5, 1967, she married Gary Akin in Knoxville, TN, and he survives.

She was a member of Abundant Life Church. Barbara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, being outside tending to her flowers, gardening and helping others.

Barbara is survived by her loving spouse of 52 years, Gary, three children, Alan (Stacye) Akin, Jason Akin, and Ida (Matthew) Tiberend; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Madison, Lucas, Frank Alan, Gracie, Gary, Brittany; two great-grandchildren, Lillian and one on the way; one brother; five sisters; many nieces and nephews; and several special people that she loved as her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Lee and Zora Marie Yoder, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Ida Mae Akin, step-dad, Clarence Rollins, nine brothers, and two sisters.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Per Barbara's wishes cremation will take place.

Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.