Lucy “Ellen” Adkins, 90, of Ranger, WV “finished her course” on Earth May 1, 2026. After a long, beautiful life, and a short and unfortunate battle with dementia, she passed away at home surrounded by family.

Born December 30, 1935 to Mack and Virla Lucas, Ellen was the oldest of 7 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell Adkins, sons David and Denver Adkins, grandson Denver “Dennie” Adkins Jr., brothers Bud and Harry Lucas, and sister Sylvia Casto.

Those left to cherish her memory are her siblings— Lonnie(Carol) Lucas, Donald Lucas, Carla(Wayne) Johnson, sister-in-law Mary Lucas; children— Monty(Gordon) Sanders and Teresa Williamson; grandchildren— James(Neva) Slone, Jennifer(Erik) Thompson, Savannah(Justin) Cook, and Autumn Williamson; step-grandchildren— Angie Maynard and Kim(Bud) Dean; great-grandchildren— Hannah, Taylor, Lily, Kourtnee, Alaya, Aleeah, and Asher— and 4 great-great-grandchildren. A special aunt— Peep Tomblin, helpful neighbors— Damer Farley & family, who would drop anything to help, and a special friend—Jesse Williamson.

Ellen “Mamaw El” is fondly remembered as a simple christian woman, devoted mother, loving grandmother, and friend to many. Her warm and kind smile could turn any frown upside down (as she would say). She was a wife and mother who knew what it was like to work hard. She kept her hands busy most days gardening, canning, and providing everyone with fresh blueberries. She loved sewing quilts for anyone she knew having a baby or getting married. She enjoyed digging ditches and pulling weeds. She loved preparing meals for her family and taking walks with her grandkids. Above all else, she knew how to pause and worship her Lord and Savior where she was a faithful member of the 14 Mile church of Christ for many years. She loved the Lord, and that was reflected through her actions.

She touched so many lives in her lifetime. She loved deeply and selflessly. She lived her faith, and we will be forever blessed because of it. We want to thank Dignity Hospice and Home Health team for their care.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at McGhee Handley Funeral Home in West Hamlin, WV. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Gary Topping will be officiating. Burial will follow at Lucas Cemetery on Lucas Ridge in Ranger.