Elizabeth A. “Betty” Adkins, 67, of St. Michael, died Monday, October 29, 2201 from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, November 2 at the Church of St. Michael.
Survived by children, Patrick (Joy) Adkins of Anoka, Michael (Maureen) Adkins of Rochester, Kathy (Todd) Waldeland of St. Michael, Caroline (Tom) Bjellos of Big Lake, Nancy (Chris) Boeckers of Grand Forks, N. D., son-in-law Jon Niess of Eden Prairie, 12 grandchildren, Jeff, Brenda and Brian Adkins, Anna Niess, Tony, Kelly and Shannon Adkins, Erin and Erik Walsdeland, Mitchell Bjellos, Andrea and Brady Boeckers, brothers, Bob (Pearl) Whalen and Jim (Jean) Whalen, sisters, Mildred Buck, Shirley (Cleve) Eno and Alice Rainville, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives including former husband, Wallace Adkins.
Preceded in death by daughter, Susan Niess and grandson Ryan Niess, parents, sisters, Elaine Whalen and Jean Hallerand, brother Patrick Whalen.
She was born in Minneapolis on June 4, 1934 the daughter of Johns and Barbara Graff Whalen. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in Minneapolis in 1952 and married Wallace Adkins in 1956. She was active in local politics as the chair of the Wright County DFL Party from 1973-1982 and was also a deputy clerk for Otsego Township and a certified building inspector. She was also a member of The Church of St. Michael and a resident of St. Michael for over 30 years. Betty served as a Minnesota State Senator for 12 years. representing District 19 from 1982 until Jan. 1, 1995 when she resigned for health reasons.
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