Anna "Tillie" Maurine Wilkins, 95, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away surrounded by members of her adoring family on July 4, 2025. Born in Hickman County, Kentucky, Anna dedicated her life to family, faith, and service to others.
Anna M. Eberhardt was born to Joseph M. Eberhardt and Anna Belle (née Edwards) of Hickman County, Kentucky, at the height of the Depression. The youngest of six children, Anna was nicknamed "Tillie" at birth—a name she carried throughout her life. Raised by a hardworking family who farmed the hills of Western Kentucky, she developed the deeply rooted work ethic that would define much of her life. Anna attended and was valedictorian of Fulgham High School, perfectly embodying her graduating class motto: "When the elevator of success is out, take the stairs." Anna did exactly that, and she never stopped climbing.
In 1949, after Charles returned from his service in World War II, Anna married Charles Thomas Wilkins, beginning a long, loving, and ineffable partnership that would span seven decades. Together, they raised two children to whom they devoted their lives: Debora Ann (née Wilkins) Ryan and Thomas Wayne Wilkins. Anna's greatest joy came from her role as matriarch and "Nanny" of a thriving family that grew to include a son and daughter in law, Michael Ryan and Lisa Wilkins - five grandchildren, Jeremy Chastain (Courtney Harmon and son Corbyn Mooney), Kathleen Ryan (Stephen Hardy), Kevin Ryan (Ricky Martinez), Erin Ryan, and David Wilkins— and two great-grandchildren, Olivia Hardy and Andrew Hardy.
Adversity often defined the early years of the young family's life. When Charles faced a tuberculosis diagnosis, the couple courageously picked up their lives and moved from rural Kentucky to Arizona, following their doctor's advice and, like Horace Greeley's famous counsel, headed west. Over the next seventy years, the Wilkins family lived in Tucson, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; and Johnson County, Kansas. Their lives were enriched and enhanced by the countless lifelong friendships they built across the nation they loved.
Anna brought the same dedication she showed her family to her professional life, managing offices and inventory for various companies throughout her career, including 30 years of faithful service at Michelin Tire Company. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail made her a valued colleague and leader.
For nearly 50 years, Anna was an active and devoted member of Lenexa United Methodist Church, where she served in various leadership roles. Her faith was central to her life and guided her interactions with everyone she met.
Anna spent her retirement years with her beloved husband, traveling the United States and the world, visiting almost every corner of the globe—far beyond anything that small-town valedictorian could have ever dreamed. She always took the stairs. The Wilkins eventually settled at Lakeview Retirement Community, where Anna dutifully and lovingly cared for Charles as he faced Parkinson's and Lewy Body dementia. Anna cherished the people of Lakeview Village, both residents and staff, and treasured the friends she made there.
Those who knew Anna will remember her most for her profound and genuine kindness. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued and loved, touching countless lives through her compassion and generosity of spirit. Her family will never stop working to live up to the standard and example Anna set, striving to embody her Christian and people-centered spirit and values.
Anna is preceded in death by her beloved husband, partner, and best friend Charles Wilkins and her mother, father, brother Edward, and sisters Bess, Mary Belle, Ruth, and is survived by her sister Martha. Anna loved and lived for her family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Village Retirement Community Heritage Room in Lenexa, Kansas, followed by a private family graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Anna's memory by following her example of supporting others through a gift to a charity of your choice, continuing her legacy of kindness and service.
Anna’s family will miss their “Nanny” and Mother forever, but they are comforted and consoled by the knowledge that she has rejoined her cherished husband, and their transcendent love story and partnership continues.