Stella Lois Adkins, 69, of Salina, Kan., left her spirit and memories on earth and departed this life on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Salina Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born in Montgomery, Ala., to Joseph and Betty (Counterman) Panna, on February 15, 1956.
Stella spent most of her life in Salina. As a young girl, she would frequent the Fox Theater, the Municipal swimming pool and Playland Park. Stella graduated from Salina South High School in 1974. She was ambitious and managed several businesses over the years such as Taco Grande, The Bedroom Showplace, Pools Plus, and Long John Silvers.
Stella was a devoted mother who unconditionally loved her three children and cherished being a grandmother, who they fondly called their “Nina”. She loved gardening, thrifting, cardinals, and sunflowers and enjoyed riding around the countryside. Stella would often say to her family “Let’s go funning”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Betty Panna, and grandparents, Raymond and Clara Counterman, and Stephen and Stella Panna.
She is survived by her children, Michael Reid, of Salina, Jennifer Keene (Mike) and Rebecca Adkins, both of Valley Center, Kan.; her grandchildren, who brought her so much pride and adoration, Olivia Hill, Victoria Moore, Levi Clark, Hanna Adkins, and Addison Keene. She also leaves behind her sisters, Darlene Hoeffner (Phillip Ropchock), of Salina, and Marilee Panna (Ali Hansen) of Benton Harbor, Mich.; her aunt Lois and uncle Jerome Rickard, of Elmira, N.Y., and aunt Rita Sanrocco, of Marlton, N.J.; niece, Rachel Hoeffner; nephews, Joe Hoeffner and David Hoeffner (Ella); and many cousins. She will be missed by her dear friends, Kim Klucus, Lynn Kohler, Marianne Meyer, Vera Phillip, and all those who called her “Mom”.
A memorial service for Stella will be held at 3 pm, on Friday, February 28, 2025, with family greeting friends the hour prior the service, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LifePoint Students / STL, 400 S Abilene Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147, or left care of Ryan Mortuary.