Ardyth Evonne Atkins, 85, longtime Guymon resident, passed away late Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Memorial Hospital of Texas County.  Ardyth was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma, on September 6, 1931, the oldest child of Arthur Wayne and Lorene Grace (Parker) Skewes.  Ardyth was a loving and protective sister to her brother, H. Blaine Skewes, and her sister, Linda Holt.  Ardyth’s early years were spent in Moab, Utah.  Her father worked for Cabot Corporation and they moved many times during her childhood.  She often shared fond memories of the days she spent living in Cabot camps in Kingsmill, Armstrong, Bowers Kermit, and Pampa. She was very close to her grandparents and loved spending summers on their ranch in Follett, Texas.

Ardyth graduated from Guymon High School in 1949 and briefly attended Oklahoma A&M.  After her children were grown, she continued her studies at Panhandle State University.  Ardyth was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James Robert Atkins, on August 20, 1950 in Guymon, Oklahoma. Their love and devotion to one another was an inspiration to all who knew them. 

Ardyth was a caring and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.  In her early years, she was a talented pianist and an amateur pilot.  She loved to travel, enjoying camping, hiking, and skiing.  Ardyth was an avid reader and bridge player as well as a gifted seamstress and needle worker.  She was a member of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America and studied and practiced embroidery methods throughout her life, leaving her family with many beautiful and intricate works.

Ardyth is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dr. James Atkins; her daughter, Mary Anne Mayer and husband, Joe, of Guymon, Oklahoma; her son, John Atkins of Amarillo, Texas; her sister, Linda Holt of Austin, Texas, and her brother, Dr. H. Blaine Skewes and wife, Susan, of El Dorado, Kansas.  She was a beloved grandmother to her four grandchildren, Katherine Mayer Christensen and husband, Lau, of Evergreen, Colorado; Margery Rice and husband, Chad, of Guymon, Oklahoma, Paul Mayer and wife, Paige, of Guymon, Oklahoma, and Ryan Atkins and wife, Brenda, of Amarillo, Texas.  She will be fondly remembered by her great-grandchildren, Anna, Rachel, and Sarah Christensen, Eric and Gunnar Rice, Seth Mayer, Shadi Nettles, Paislee Boles, and Jacob and Emily Atkins. 

Ardyth’s life with be celebrated with a graveside service and internment at Elmhurst Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, with Rev. Wayne Dawson officiating. Viewing will be Tuesday afternoon, February 7, with the Atkins family present for visitation from 5-6 p.m. at the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth Street, Guymon, Oklahoma.

Family and Friends may sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hensonnovak.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels or any charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942. 

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