DE SOTO — Lillian Marlane “Lily” Akings, 77, passed away May 30, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in De Soto, Kansas. She was born on November 22, 1947, in Russell, Kansas, to Alvin and Theresa (Deutsch) Dumler.
Lily grew up in Milberger, Kansas, graduating from Russell High School. She continued her education at Fort Hays State University, graduating with a master’s in science degree with an emphasis in nursing. Lily earned her BSN and practiced many years in public health.
She married Landon Dean Akings in 1965 and was blessed with two children: Randall Dean Akings and Melissa Marlane (Akings) Schuman.
Lily taught nursing courses at Barton Community College and worked as coordinator for the Association for Continuing Education in Great Bend. She belonged and served in various positions for the Kansas Public Health Association, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, as well as an adjunct professor at Fort Hays State University and director of the Barton County Health Department. Lily served in many roles in Barton County. She was also a dedicated and talented church organist.
Survivors include her husband, Dean Akings, of the home; son, Randall “Randy” Akings of Lenexa; daughter, Melissa “Missy” Schuman (John Skolaut) of De Soto; grandchildren, Carson Rae Schuman and Hugh Isaac Riley; brother, Marlin A. Dumler (Lori) of Russell; and sister, Sylvia J Dumler of Milberger.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, with Nancy Mitchell, PMA, presiding. Interment will follow at Milberger Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Milberger Cemetery Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 31, 2025
