Kirwin resident, Nellie June Eakin, was born on June 13th, 1944, in Phillips County, KS, to Vernon Roth Sr. and Bernice Malone. At the age of 80, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at the Smith County Hospital in Smith Center, Kansas. Although Nellie was her given name, she preferred being called June. June was born and raised in Kirwin, KS. She attended school in Kirwin and graduated with her Senior Class of 1962. Throughout school, she made many lifelong friendships. After graduating, she was employed by the Phillips County Hospital as a CNA.

June was united in marriage to Gerald "Dick" Bretton at the Phillips County courthouse in Phillipsburg, KS. To this union, three children were born: two girls, Teresa and Lisa, and one son, Curtis. Dick and June made their family home in Kirwin, KS. Later in life, Dick and June divorced but maintained a strong friendship that lasted throughout their lives.

On December 8th, 1998, June was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Eakin until his death in June 2019. June was very special to many people, but to most, she was best known for her love and devotion to her family. She was a dedicated wife and mother, taking pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always enjoyed supporting them in their many athletic events and special activities. She took pride in watching them as they grew and excelled in their daily lives.

June was always a hard worker and was known for being outspoken and very loyal to her family and friends. She enjoyed many years of employment at the Phillips County Hospital and then tried her hand at managing several restaurants before returning to work at the Phillips County Hospital until she retired. During her many years of employment, she made many lasting friendships. Along with being a hard worker, June was also known for her amazing cooking skills, in restaurants and in her home. June loved to host family gatherings, especially during her favorite holiday, Christmas, when she decorated her home and property for all to enjoy. Bob and June dazzled the Christmas holiday with their remarkable display of Christmas lights and decorations. Their Christmas display seemed to get bigger and more amazing every year. Their annual 4th of July picnics were another favorite, serving her delicious homemade ice cream and hot fudge topping to family and friends.

June enjoyed life, loving to dance, going on shopping trips with family, and her many gambling trips with Bob. Her most loved hobby was the endless hours of love she put into maintaining and caring for her home and property. She was always so proud of her home. Family connections meant the most to her, and she cherished the relationships she held closest to her heart. She was known for being a "one of a kind" type of person by her friends. To her family, she held many titles... She was a daughter, sister, wife, mom, grammy, grams, and "Aunt June."

She is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Roth Sr. and Betty, and mother, Bernice Malone, 2 sisters, Coralee Roth and Kristy Walters, and her husband, Robert "Bob" Eakin. She is survived by her three children, Teresa and husband John Starkey, Lisa Hall, all of Kirwin, and Curtis Bretton of Almena, KS; 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vernon Roth Jr. and wife Becky of Kirwin, KS, and Rollin Roth and wife Debra of Cawker City, KS; along with many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Janet Reynolds officiating.  Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin.

Mrs. Eakin will lie in state from 5 until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kirwin Improvement Committee.