Margaret A. Akins, age 95, passed away at Sauk Prairie Hospital on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.  She was born at home in Arena on Apr. 8, 1928 to the late Ivan and Louise (Conger) Ley.  She attended and graduated from Arena High School; class of 1946.  Margaret was united in marriage to Uyless "Bill" Akins; he preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 2020.

Margaret had several jobs in her earlier years, working at the Egg Plant and helping manage Bill's plumbing business; but always was the best mom ever.  She lovingly cared for her kids at home, where she cooked without recipe books, canned and froze meals for her family.  Margaret was a crafty woman and lived within her means and took pride in passing those traits on to her family.  She had a wonderful memory; never forgetting stories and events from long ago.  She enjoyed her bingo, buffets, looked forward to road trips and shopping with Debbie and most of all spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  In the past she was an active member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Mazomanie, and recently attending Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green.  Margaret was a member of the Arena Historians, and formerly served her community on the Arena Police Commission Board.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Gary) Stafford; grandchildren, Mariah (Ryan) McElwee and their girls, McKenna and Aryana; David (Sierra) Stafford and their girls, Paige and Alexi; Mitchell Stafford and his son, Flynn; Bill's son, Lonny (Tina) Akins and their son, Codi.  Margaret is further survived by other relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, William "Bill" Akins and sisters, Katherine Ley and Doris Sheehan.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, Jan., 18, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, 237 Daley St., Spring Green.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Interment will be held in the Arena Cemetery.

Margaret's family would like to thank the many caregivers and staff at Green Way Manor in Spring Green, Sauk Prairie Hospital and Dr. Hupp for their care of Margaret and Pastor Jacob Greeneway.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com