Sharon Tanner Akins

February 10, 1943 - February 20, 2016

Sharon Tanner Akins Obituary On June 20, 2016, Sharon passed from this life into the Kingdom of Heaven. She battled for over a week following a heart attack while on her way to Sunday worship. During this time family and many friends maintained a constant vigil at her bedside until she peacefully passed surrounded by family. Sharon was born February 10, 1943 in Spokane to Meinrad and Eva Tanner. She and her older brother Darrell were raised on the family dairy farm overlooking Hangman Valley. This is where her ?addiction? and love for cats began. Sharon attended Glenora Grade School with her 8th grade graduation class totaling three students. She continued her education at Cheney High School where she graduated in 1961. Her education was completed at Eastern State College with a degree in social work in 1965. It was during this time she traveled extensively with her brother and friends which provided cultural experiences from Europe and Africa. She especially enjoyed visiting relatives in Switzerland and Hawaii held a special place in her heart. Following graduation, Sharon began her 48-year career with the State of Washington. Initially, she worked with Child Protective Services maintaining exemplary service with this agency for most of her career. In 1979, she transferred to the Department of Corrections where she worked as a probation and parole officer and met her future husband. In 1989, she transferred back to CPS where she continued her commitment to provide service to others. She especially enjoyed her most recent role as supervisor of the adoption unit where many children and their new parents were united and families formed. Throughout her career, Sharon touched many lives, was valued by her co-workers and respected by the courts and the many community resources. In addition to her compassionate work with children, Sharon will be remembered for her boundless energy, wonderful smile, wise counsel, desire to help and a friend to anyone she came into contact with. Her peers at work described her as gentle but strong, pushing her staff to believe in themselves and encouraging them to be the best. She was loved by all who knew her. Sharon met her husband Joe when working for corrections and they were married April 10, 1982. The following year they built a home on the original family homestead, enjoying country living for the next 33 years. In 1985, Joe and Sharon welcomed their daughter Julie into their lives who provided much joy and love for her mother. Sharon was a committed and caring mom to Julie as well as her stepsons, Jerred and Remi. Throughout these years, Sharon enjoyed family gatherings, displaying a culinary expertise, especially her memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Since her retirement, Sharon has enjoyed working in her flower gardens and caring for her numerous cats. She has continued to maintain work-related friendships through ongoing lunches with retirees and former co-workers. Sharon has continued to be involved in adoption issues, attending the National Adoption Day celebration each year. She was passionate about women?s issues, continuing to be active in organizations such as Women Helping Women. Sharon also looked forward each year to her Cheney High School reunion, maintaining many friendships from this class throughout the years. Sharon has been a member of her church, ?The Meeting,? all her life. She lived her life as a Christian, practicing her faith and demonstrating those values in her everyday interactions. Sharon is survived by her husband, Joe Akins, at the home in Spokane, daughter Julie Akins of Seattle, stepson Jerred Akins (Tami) of Snohomish, stepson Remi Akins of Spokane, brother Darrell Tanner (Kathy) of Bellevue, brother-in-law John Akins (Cathy) of Diamond Lake, brother-in-law Pat Akins (Teri) of Priest Lake, grandchildren Drew and Alex of Snohomish, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents. She also leaves behind several cats, most important are her favorites Tabby, Snowball and Shadow. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the Sacred Heart ICU and the 7th floor staff. A celebration of Sharon?s life will be held Saturday, July 2nd at 11:00am at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 W. Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224. Memorial contributions may be sent to Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) at 6815 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99212. Sharon currently has a commemorative plaque at that location celebrating her 48 years of state service.