Patricia A. Detwiler Adkins

Patricia Ann Detwiler (Tripp) Adkins, born on August 31, 1941 at Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Mich., passed away on March 4, 2025, at 5:02 p.m. after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She spent her childhood in Sand Creek, Mich., alongside her three sisters and one brother and attended school there. She was a devout Christian with unwavering faith and a long-time member of Bethany Assembly of God.

Patricia was a devoted mother whose greatest achievement was raising her seven children — a number that held deep significance for her throughout her life. She was married to Clifford “Sonny” Adkins on May 13, 1990, and they shared many happy years together.

She is survived by her loving children, Chester Tripp (LeAnn) of Tecumseh, Jeffery Tripp (Toyetta) of Adrian, Gregory Tripp (Lisa) of Augusta, Ga., Judith Knabusch (Jeffery) of Somerset, Ky., Christina Bechtol (Ronnie Jr.) of Tecumseh, Chene Tripp (Sherie) of Tecumseh, and Bryan Tripp (Stacy) of Tipton. She was also a proud grandmother of 23 grandchildren, a beloved great-grandmother to 38 great-grandchildren, and a blessed great-great-grandmother to one, all of whom brought her immense joy and love.

She is further survived by her three sisters and one brother, Barb Leik (the late Roger) of Adrian, Kathy Giles (Larry) of Adrian, Debbie Petticrew of Adrian, and Charles Detwiler of Polk City, Fla.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Adkins; parents, Ivan and Doris Detwiler (Patterson) of Sand Creek, Mich.; an infant sister, Judith and her infant granddaughter, Amanda; and grandson, Chester Jr.

The number seven was a recurring and meaningful presence in Patricia’s life. She had seven children, and her passing on the fourth day of the third month totals seven. She left this world at 5:02 p.m., another connection to her special number, which also relates to five boys and two girls.

More than anything, she loved her children with all her heart. As she neared the end of her journey, all seven of them were by her side, just as they will be in her final procession, carrying her to her resting place.

Her love was boundless and her devotion unwavering. There may be other mothers who love their children as deeply as Patricia did, but none loved them more. Her legacy of love, strength, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

The family received friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Thursday, March 6, from 4-8  p.m. A funeral service for Patricia was held at the funeral home on Friday, March 7, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Matt Vandersteen officiating. An additional hour of visitation preceded the service. Following the service, she was laid to rest next to her husband at Lenawee County Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions can be made to Bethany Assembly of God. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.